In a bid to protect and conserve tigers, 4 new rescue centres have been proposed, that will come up in UP’s Pilibhit, Meerut, Maharajganj and Chitrakut. As per reports, a rewilding centre will also be established and the central government has approved the project. Reportedly, each rescue facility will be set up at an approximate cost of ₹4.90 crores and the state administration will receive these funds from Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management & Planning Authority(CAMPA).
Rescue centres to aid in quick spotting & catching of tigers
In recent times, multiple sightings of tigers and leopards have been reported from populated areas of the state. In view of this, the state government has proposed the aforementioned intervention, to protect such animals. As per reports, CAMPA has sanctioned the proposal of the UP administration and the formalised directives will be rolled out soon. Notably, Pilibhit will get the rewilding centre while all the aforesaid cities will have a rescue centre each.
With the help of these rescue centres, tigers and leopards spotted outside the jungles will be captured and subsequent plans for resettlement will be initiated. Reportedly, a wildlife doctor and trained staff will be deployed at these centres and they will have all the essential resources. With the start of these facilities in areas located closely around the forests, the officials will take lesser time in spotting and catching the tigers.
More than 50 new tigers recorded in the past few years
Reportedly, the rewilding centre in Pilibhit shall come up over an expanse of 25 hectares. This would act as a habitat for the rescued animals and plans for introducing them in the wild environment will also be worked upon.
According to the figures released by the authorities, the number of tigers has increased from, below 120 in 2014 to more than 170 in 2018. While the hike is commendable, the state government aims to further inflate the figure. Reportedly, Forest Officer Mukesh Kumar informed that the authorities are now working to double the count by 2022.
