Project Tiger

PROJECT TIGER
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ASSIGNMENT
NANKI SINGH; 22/0827

RIVKA VASUDEVA; 22/0225
DEPARTMENT OF JOURNALISM
INTRODUCTION
India, renowned for its rich biodiversity, has been home to the Bengal tiger
(Panthera Tigris), a symbol of strength, power, and beauty. By the early 20th
century, rampant hunting, habitat destruction, and poaching had driven the
Bengal tiger to the brink of extinction. Recognizing the urgency of the situation,
the Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi,
launched Project Tiger on April 1, 1973. One of the most successful and iconic
wildlife conservation initiatives globally, this project has not only prevented the
extinction of the majestic species but has also significantly contributed to the
overall biodiversity conservation in India.
BACKGROUND
The government passed the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972 for the protection
and preservation of different species of flora and fauna. Project Tiger was
launched by the Indira Gandhi government in 1973 from the Jim Corbett
National Park in Uttarakhand. At the turn of the 20th century, India had a
population of tigers that ranged from 20000 to 40000. Due to the hunting
practices of the Maharajas and the British, as well as poaching activities, their
number had dwindled drastically to about 1820 in the seventies. In the initial
years of this project, there were only nine tiger reserves in India. At present,
there are more than 50 such reserves located in 18 tiger range states of India.
The initial reserves covered under Project Tiger were the Jim Corbett, Manas,
Ranthambore, Simlipal, Bandipur, Palamau, Sundarbans, Melghta and Kanha
national parks.
OBJECTIVES OF PROJECT TIGER
The project aimed at achieving the following key goals:

a. Conservation of Tiger Habitat: Identifying, protecting, and managing critical
tiger habitats to ensure sustainable living conditions for the species.
b. Population Management: Monitoring and managing tiger populations to
prevent inbreeding and maintain genetic diversity.
c. Anti-Poaching Measures: Implementing stringent anti-poaching measures to
curb illegal hunting and trade of tiger parts.
d. Community Involvement: Involving local communities in conservation
efforts to promote coexistence and address human-wildlife conflicts.
IMPLEMENTATION
Project Tiger was initially launched in

nine tiger reserves across India,
covering diverse ecosystems from the
Sundarbans in the east to the Western
Ghats in the west. The project involved
the establishment of dedicated tiger
task forces, specialized in anti-poaching
activities and habitat management.
Project Tiger was administered by
the National Tiger Conservation
Authority. The overall administration of
the project was monitored by a steering
committee, which was headed by a
director. A field director was appointed
for each reserve, who is assisted by a
group of field and technical personnel.
For each tiger reserve, management
plans were drawn up based on the
following principles:
• Elimination of all forms of human exploitation and biotic disturbance
from the core area and rationalization of activities in the buffer zone.
• Restricting the habitat management only to repair the damages done to
the ecosystem by human and other interferences to facilitate recovery of
the ecosystem to its natural state.
• Monitoring the faunal and floral changes over time and carrying out
research about wildlife.
Wireless communication systems and outstation patrol camps were developed
within the tiger reserves, due to which poaching had declined considerably. Fire
protection was effectively done by suitable preventive and control measures.
Voluntary village relocation was done in many reserves, especially from the
core area. Livestock grazing has been controlled to a great extent in the tiger
reserves. Various compensatory developmental works improved the water
regime and the ground and field level vegetation, thereby increasing the animal
density.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND SUCCESS STORIES
a. Tiger Population Recovery: The tiger population in India has shown a steady
increase since the inception of Project Tiger.
b. Habitat Conservation: Project Tiger has played a pivotal role in preserving
and rejuvenating critical tiger habitats, contributing to the overall biodiversity
conservation in these areas.
c. Anti-Poaching Success: Stringent anti-poaching measures, coupled with
increased patrolling and surveillance, have significantly reduced incidents of
tiger poaching and illegal trade of tiger parts.
d. Community Engagement: Involving local communities in conservation
efforts has not only fostered a sense of responsibility but has also provided
economic opportunities through eco-tourism initiatives.
CONTROVERSIES AND PROBLEMS
Project Tiger's efforts were hampered by poaching, as well as debacles and

irregularities in Sariska and Namdapha, both of which were reported
extensively in the Indian media. The Forest Rights Act passed by the Indian
government in 2006 recognizes the rights of some forest dwelling communities
in forest areas. Some have argued that this is problematic as it will increase
conflict and opportunities for poaching; some also assert that "tigers and
humans cannot co-exist". Others argue that this is a limited perspective that
overlooks the reality of human-tiger coexistence and the abuse of power by
authorities, evicting local people and making them pariahs in their own
traditional lands rather than allowing them a proper role in decision-making, in
the tiger crisis. The latter position was supported by the Government of India's
Tiger Task Force and is also taken by some forest dwellers' organizations.
CONCLUSION
Project Tiger stands as a testament to India's commitment to wildlife

conservation and biodiversity preservation. As India continues to evolve its
conservation policies, Project Tiger serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration
for global efforts to protect and preserve the world's diverse and endangered
ecosystems.

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PROJECT TIGER

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ASSIGNMENT

NANKI SINGH; 22/0827

OBJECTIVES OF PROJECT TIGER

The project aimed at achieving the following key goals:

Project Tiger was initially launched in

ACHIEVEMENTS AND SUCCESS STORIES

CONTROVERSIES AND PROBLEMS

Project Tiger's efforts were hampered by poaching, as well as debacles and

Project Tiger stands as a testament to India's commitment to wildlife

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