PM Modi Lauds Pilibhit's 'Bagh Mitr Program' on World Tiger Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Pilibhit's 'Bagh Mitr Program' on World Tiger Day. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed gratitude, noting that the recognition will inspire enthusiasm. The program, launched in 2019, aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict. A tiger census revealed a tripling of the tiger population in Pilibhit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Pilibhit's 'Bagh Mitr Program' in his 'Mann Ki Baat' address to mark World Tiger Day. Following this acknowledgment, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his gratitude on social media platform X, highlighting that the Prime Minister's mention would inspire new zeal among participants.

CM Yogi Adityanath reaffirmed the state's commitment to tiger conservation under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. The initiative, launched in 2019, aims to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in Pilibhit, which was a significant issue.

In October 2023, Chief Minister Yogi introduced the 'Bagh Mitr App.' Over 120 individuals, including women and elderly citizens, are part of the 'Bagh Mitr' network, using a WhatsApp group for wildlife sightings. This helps the Forest department promptly react, ensuring public safety.

Divisional Forest Officer Manish Singh said that Pilibhit had frequent human-wildlife conflicts, which led to the 2019 launch of the 'Bagh Mitr' program. The initiative has been successful, and with the new app, reporting and tracking of wildlife has become more efficient.

The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, established in 2014 with 24 tigers, has seen significant growth in its tiger population due to state conservation efforts. A 2022 census revealed that the population had tripled to 72 tigers, thanks to dedicated conservation programs.

India houses 70 percent of the world's tigers, with Uttar Pradesh making notable contributions. The 'Bagh Mitr' program's efficient communication system via WhatsApp and the newly launched app has strengthened public safety and wildlife monitoring.

(With inputs from agencies.)