Sariska (Rajasthan): Taking a step forward to save tigers, Rajasthan on Saturday became the first state in the country to sign a tripartite agreement with the Centre, promising accountability and adequate utilisation of funds in its two tiger reserves of Sariska and Ranthambore.
"This is a historic step taken by Rajasthan government which will go a long way in protection of the endangered species in the state," Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said at two-day All India Meet of field directors of tiger reserves here after the signing of the pact.
With the signing of this agreement, the Centre will soon release Rs 30 crore to the two tiger reserves, he said. After Sariska lost all its tigers, mainly to poaching, the state last year relocated three tigers- one male and two females- from Ranthambore to Sariska, spread over 700 sq km area, in a bid to replenish the population there. There are
more than 40 tigers in Ranthambore national park.
Following the agreement inked by the Centre, Rajasthan
and the reserves, funds will be at the disposal of the
director of the reserves who can utilise it as and when
needed, thus making them accountable.
"This will ensure money meant for tigers is used in
the right earnest. The efforts should bear results. The
agreement sets the tone for serious conservation efforts
making the tiger reserve officials accountable for any lapses
in the protection of the big cats," NTCA member secretary
Rajesh Gopal said.
Ramesh expressed the hope that more states will come
forward to sign the pact and save the animal whose population
has declined to 1,400 as per a government survey.
The Union Minister said that he has also asked the
states to deposit the money being earned from the reserves
through tourism for the conservation of wildlife in the
reserves itself.
Bureau Report
