Alipurduar, October 2 (Daily Kiran) : Central Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav commended West Bengal’s Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for the successful return of tigers to the Buxa Tiger Reserve in Alipurduar. Speaking at an event on Gandhi Jayanti, he noted that tigers had disappeared from the reserve in 2018 due to neglect by the previous government. However, the current administration quickly completed an eight-year project by bringing a tigress from Valmiki Nagar in Bihar.
Yadav expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Adhikari, stating that in 2018, the region had no tigers left. He mentioned that occasionally, tigers from Bhutan’s sanctuary or Assam’s Manas National Park would appear in camera traps. After investigating the reasons for the tiger’s extinction from Buxa, Yadav emphasized that the prior government ignored their concerns, despite continuous communication from their side.
He highlighted the swift actions taken by Adhikari, noting, “What could not be accomplished in eight years from 2018 to 2026 has been achieved in just a few months.” Yadav also revealed that two villages were voluntarily relocated to ensure sufficient space for the tigers.
The tigress brought to Buxa was sourced from Valmiki Nagar Tiger Reserve, situated near the Nepal border. Yadav explained the geographical similarities between Buxa and Valmiki Nagar, both serving as crucial habitats for tigers.
He extended his thanks to various officials, including those from the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Wildlife Institute of India, for their support in this initiative. Yadav specifically recognized the efforts of Adhikari and Minister Manoj Kumar Tiwari, who have been proactive since taking office.
Yadav reiterated his commitment to developing tourism in the region, referring to a promise made during previous elections to enhance the area’s timber and tourism sectors. He urged the Chief Minister to create a well-planned tourism village to attract visitors, generating local employment.
On this occasion, Yadav also pledged to promote a “Plastic-Free Buxa,” emphasizing the importance of keeping the tiger reserve free from plastic waste. He noted that visitors’ vehicles would be checked for plastic bags and bottles before entering the reserve.
Yadav expressed optimism about fostering eco-tourism in Alipurduar, stating that the roar of the Bengal tiger would resonate throughout the region, enhancing tourism and creating green job opportunities.
He concluded by wishing the local community success and reaffirming the potential for growth in eco-tourism in Buxa.
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