On the occasion of World Tiger Day, Uttarakhand has emerged as a beacon of tiger conservation in India. The Himalayan state, known as Devbhoomi, now boasts the presence of 560 tigers across its forests, with evidence of tiger activity recorded in all 13 districts, including high-altitude areas like Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pauri, and Pithoragarh.
According to the 2023 tiger census, camera traps have captured images of 560 tigers 260 in Corbett Tiger Reserve, 88 in the Western Circle, and 29 in Lansdowne Forest Division, among others. Forest officials estimate that the tiger population in the state may exceed 600 in the next official count, marking a significant leap in India’s overall tiger numbers, which currently stand at 3,682.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who has taken a personal interest in tiger conservation, drew a spiritual parallel, stating, “Tigers are not just wildlife here; they are the ride of Maa Durga, and their presence around ancient Shakti temples reinforces this belief.” Many locals also share this sentiment, linking the divine presence of Durga temples with nearby tiger sightings.
A unique feature in Uttarakhand’s tiger landscape is the statewide distribution of the species. Tiger expert Dr. Parag Madhukar Dhakate confirmed tiger presence in even the hilly districts like Bageshwar, traditionally considered leopard territory. He added that tigers in the state’s highlands are not new, but their increasing numbers are now being documented more rigorously.
Another expert, Narendra Singh, noted the contrast between tigers and leopards in human-wildlife conflict. “While leopards are known to attack humans, especially children and the elderly, tigers tend to avoid confrontation unless provoked,” he said.
Prakash Arya, DFO of Terai West Forest Division, revealed that recent camera trap footage has shown a change in tiger behaviour with multiple adult tigers seen drinking water and hunting together, a rare phenomenon. “Earlier, tigers fiercely guarded their territories, but now we’re seeing social behaviour. This demands deeper scientific study,” Arya noted.
PCCF (HoFF) Dr. Sameer Sinha confirmed that such sightings are under observation and measures are being taken to redistribute tigers to less populated forest zones.
Corbett Tiger Reserve Director Dr. Saket Badola identified the Bhawar region as the most suitable landscape for tiger habitation. To manage growing numbers, tigers have been successfully relocated from Corbett to Rajaji Tiger Reserve, supported by GPS tracking systems. These measures aim to stabilise populations, reduce conflict, and boost breeding success across reserves.
CM Dhami emphasised the economic and employment benefits of tiger conservation, stating that tiger tourism generates crores of rupees annually. “Every tiger protected is a step toward ecological balance and economic empowerment,” he said. The state is leveraging this through eco-tourism circuits, creating livelihood opportunities for local communities.
During the monsoon season when reserves are closed and poaching threats increase the state launches ‘Operation Monsoon’ to intensify patrolling and safeguard wildlife. CM Dhami himself participated in a forest patrol recently to boost morale among forest guards.
Uttarakhand has also established a rescue centre near Corbett, currently housing 11 tigers undergoing treatment for injury or illness. These tigers will soon be reintroduced into the wild, contributing to population stability.
Uttarakhand has yet to establish a dedicated Tiger Protection Force, as mandated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). While CM Dhami has chaired multiple meetings on the issue, bureaucratic inertia from wildlife officials has stalled progress. Experts warn that without such a force, the safety of tigers especially those outside declared reserves remains vulnerable.
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