Tiger Numbers, Reserves Rise Under PM Modi: Bhupender Yadav
Environment Minister launches NTCA eco-tourism portal, highlights India's growing leadership in tiger conservation
- Bhupender Yadav says India’s tiger population has reached 3,682 with 58 tiger reserves.
- NTCA launches integrated eco-tourism portal on Global Tiger Day 2026.
- Minister calls for greater public participation and respect for nature.
- NTCA honours frontline personnel and releases five conservation publications.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 29th July: Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav on Tuesday said India has witnessed a significant rise in its tiger population and tiger reserves under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reaffirming the country’s commitment to wildlife conservation.
Addressing the Global Tiger Day 2026 celebrations organised by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in New Delhi, Yadav said India’s tiger population has increased to 3,682, while the number of tiger reserves has reached 58 over the past 12 years.
The minister also said the country has recorded growth in the number of elephant reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, protected areas, community reserves and wetlands during the same period.
Emphasising that conservation extends beyond wildlife protection, Yadav urged people to develop a deeper respect for nature and adopt environmentally responsible lifestyles.
“Nature is not only a source of tourism or entertainment, it also needs to be respected and people must derive peace from it,” he said.
During the event, Yadav launched the NTCA Eco-tourism webpage, which provides direct links to the official websites of all tiger reserves for safari and accommodation bookings, aiming to promote responsible and sustainable nature-based tourism.
The minister said wildlife conservation stories are not limited to data but also reflect traditional knowledge, years of field experience, dedication and the commitment of forest personnel. He encouraged forest officers and conservationists to document their experiences to contribute to policy-making and knowledge sharing.
Highlighting the importance of capacity building, Yadav called for adopting global best practices and noted that the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) would strengthen international cooperation in wildlife conservation.
The NTCA Awards were presented to wildlife officers and frontline personnel for outstanding contributions to tiger conservation and protected area management. The event also featured an exhibition of entries from school competitions on the theme ‘Save Tiger’ and a nationwide awareness campaign through Eco-Clubs.
Five publications on tiger conservation, habitat management and wildlife research were released during the celebrations, underscoring NTCA’s continued focus on science-based conservation, public awareness and knowledge dissemination.
The Ministry said the Global Tiger Day celebrations reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening tiger conservation through scientific management, responsible eco-tourism, research, capacity building and greater public participation in protecting the country’s natural heritage.
