Palamau: The All India Tiger Estimation Report-2018, released on July 29, 2019 states that there is no existence of tigers in Palamu Tiger Reserve. But the officials keep on saying that still tigers can be seen there. Although they don't have an authentic reason behind it, yet they fearlessly say about the number count. This year, a Tiger Census has been declared on 29th July marked worldwide as International Tiger Day. The report evidently states that there has been an estimated 2,967 tigers in India which is almost 33% higher than the year 2014 and double that of 2006. The Prime Minister in his speech spoke about this issue and was elated to present the rising facts. Tiger being the National Animal of India has always been vulnerable towards human benefits.
Having been observed this, a lot of tiger reserves were made in India under the Project Tiger, that was launched on April 1973. As per 2018 estimation, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand have the leading tiger population. But there has been a gradual decline in the tiger counts since 2014 as of states like Chattisgarh, Orissa, Mizoram. Tigers in our country are maintained for their scientific, economic, aesthetic, cultural and ecological values. Having been declared as the National Animal of our country, they are supposed to be preserved for biological importance as a national heritage. But the decline in their number is seriously a matter of doubt and totally questionable on the account of nation's status.
Palamu Tiger Reserve, as a part of Palamu Wildlife Sanctuary was created as accordingly for the conservation of Bengal Tigers in the state of Jharkhand. Infact, Betla National Park was one of the first National Parks in India to become a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger. But the recent data says that no tiger can be seen at present. Despite massive funds (Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Tiger Project) provided by the organisations and government, the condition is miserable. The data regarding the tiger count says that in the year 1974, the number was 50, which then declined to 45 in the year 1990. From 2005-2010, there was a heavy shortfall as of 38 to 06. Now, in 2019 it has come to negligible from 3 in the year 2014. The sources have said that 85% is seen through the camera trap while 15% is crafted from the claw signs. This observation resulted out in the form of having seen 3 tigers out of which 1 male tiger and 2 tigress are there.
The irony can be seen out of the fact which says that between the year 2013-2016, a fund of 497 lakhs were received. Apart from it, organisations like UNO, National Tiger Conservation Authority also keep on providing funds for the conservation of the forest area and wildlife. But still loopholes are present. The question is why is there misrepresentation of facts and data. "Naxal activities are a major reason of decline in the tiger population in the region of Palamu. Also, the tribes are more into hunting of tigers as a report states that tiger poaching in India has risen by 63%. Apart from it, over population, increasing number of hunters, extinction of 'Sambhar deer', the favourite prey of tiger and most importantly improper monitoring by the authorities are some of the reasons that has greatly affected the tiger count in the Palamu Tiger Reserve", said Santosh, a journalist.
In a meeting regarding the Forest and Wildlife protection, the State Forest Department has promised to set up a Wildlife Crime Control Cell, to have a check on illegal activities and poaching against Wildlife. Where the facts and reports are saying that every year, a sum of 3.6 crore is spent on the tiger conservation and manpower is increased for this work, where are the tigers going. According to our PM, it is undoubtedly a matter of joy that before the deadline ie. 2022, the tiger population in our country has doubled. Also, India is among the biggest and secure habitats with almost 3000 tigers in the nation. But what about the tiger reserves as of PTR., where the condition is different and the facts are misleading. There is a serious need to have a proper inspection of the interior areas as of Palamu. Our 'National Animal' is under great threat and we need to conserve it by proper means and resources. The time has come to protect our heritage and think about the nation and it's development on a whole.
