Tuesday, Dec 07, 2010
http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/07/stories/2010120753080500.htm
Udhagamandalam: Social fencing will be of considerable help in carrying forward the ongoing campaign to save the tiger, says the Field Director, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Rajiv K. Srivatsava, here on Sunday.
Inaugurating an art exhibition titled, ‘The roar is about to be silenced,' he said that though the government is doing a great deal to conserve tigers much more needed to be done. People should extend their cooperation, he said adding that steps should be taken to combat environment-related problems.
Forest cover
The present 22 per cent forest cover in India should be increased to 33 per cent.
Pointing out that the Mudumalai landscape is one of the finest habitats for tigers, he said that the people of the Nilgiris district are also sensitive to the environment. More and more people are extending support to the Project Tiger. Consequently 19 eco-development committees have been formed in and around Mudumalai. Poachers have been kept at bay.
Man-wild animal conflict is not a new phenomenon. Hence with self-discipline it can be prevented from escalating. The government has enhanced the compensation for death of human beings and domestic animals because of attacks by wild animals. Even for crop loss caused by wild animals, the compensation has been increased. He said people in general and students and non governmental organisations in particular should participate the ‘save the tiger' movement.
The organiser of the exhibition, Sumathi Thiagarajan, welcomed the gathering. The president, Junior Chamber, Udhagamandalam, D. Vishwanath, said that people are ready to help carry forward the campaign.
The screening of a documentary ‘Truth About Tigers' made by Shekar Dhatadri, a question-answer session in which students of the Breeks School participated, and a signature campaign marked the occasion.
