- India believes in maintaining balance between nature and economy: Modi

- PM Modi seen in Bandipur Tiger Reserve in a different perspective, Tiger Reserve also boosted tourism in India

- The number of tiger reserves in the country also increased from 9 to 53, India has 75 percent of the total tiger population in the world: Prime Minister

Mysore: India does not believe in conflict between nature and economy and understands very well the importance of co-existence between the two, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that protection of wildlife is a global issue. Along with this, Prime Minister Modi launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) for the conservation and preservation of the cat clan (tiger, lion).

In an event held on the occasion of 50 years of Project Tiger, Prime Minister Modi on Sunday announced that the number of tigers in 53 tiger reserves in the country has increased to 3,167 since independence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a commemorative coin on the occasion of 50 years of Project Tiger and also launched the 'International Big Cats Alliance'. The IBCA includes countries where seven animals of the cat family - lion, tiger, panther, snow leopard, puma, jaguar and cheetah - are found. This organization will focus on the conservation and safety of these animals.

At this time, Prime Minister Modi announced the new numbers of tigers in India. He said that in the year 2022, the number of tigers in the country was 3,167. Thus, 200 tigers have increased in the country in the last 4 years. Earlier in 2018 this number was 2,967. Tiger population statistics are released every four years.

On the occasion of the completion of 50 years of Project Tiger in Karnataka, PM Modi said that we all have not only saved the tiger, but also provided a good ecosystem to increase its population. Project Tiger will lead the way in the protection and conservation of big cats. Protecting nature is part of Indian culture.

He added that the success of Project Tiger is a matter of pride not only for India, but for the entire world. India has completed 75 years of independence. Also, 75 percent of the world's tiger population is in India today. Because of these big cats, the number of tiger reserves has also increased and because of this tourism has also been boosted and it has also strengthened the economy.

Earlier on Sunday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bandipur and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, where Modi was seen in a different look. He was wearing a black hat, stylish glasses, a printed T-shirt and a khaki half jacket. His look became very viral on social media.

At one time there were 1 lakh tigers in the country. But being hunted again and again, tigers in India reached the verge of extinction. India launched Project Tiger on April 1, 1973, considering the declining population of tigers in the country. A total of 18,278 sq. 9 areas covering 9 km were declared as Tiger Reserves. Over the last 50 years, the scheme has expanded and today the number of tiger reserves has increased to 53, out of which 23 tiger reserves have received international recognition and their area has increased to 7500 sq. km is done

Also visit to Theppakud Elephant Camp in Chennai

Prime Minister Modi on Sunday visited the Theppakdu elephant camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu and interacted with the mahout couple Boman and Bailey. The documentary film 'The Elephant Whispers' based on the life of this mahout couple won an Oscar. The couple also acted in the film. PM Modi appreciated the care shown by the couple towards the elephants Reghu and Bommi in the film. PM Modi reached Theppakdu Elephant Camp from Bandipur Tiger Reserve by land. Here the Prime Minister fed sugarcane to the elephants.

Tiger population in the country