New Delhi, July 29: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, addressed the Global Tiger Day 2026 celebration organized by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in New Delhi on Wednesday. He called for a deeper social connection with nature and the adoption of conservation-oriented lifestyles.
Minister Yadav emphasized that conservation is not just about protecting wildlife; it also involves developing a respectful relationship with nature. He stated, “Nature is not merely a means for tourism or recreation; it deserves respect and should bring peace to people.”
He encouraged individuals to draw inspiration from nature and adopt lifestyles dedicated to environmental protection. Yadav highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, India has seen a remarkable increase in the number of tigers (3,682) and tiger reserves (58). He noted that over the past 12 years, there has also been growth in the number of elephant reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, protected areas, community reserves, and wetlands.
During the event, he launched the NTCA’s environmental tourism webpage, congratulating the authority for consolidating information related to all tiger reserves onto a single platform. This page provides direct links to the official websites for safari and accommodation bookings in all tiger reserves, making information more accessible and promoting responsible, sustainable nature-based tourism.
Discussing the importance of documenting conservation experiences, he remarked that stories from the forests are not just statistics; they encompass traditional knowledge, emotions, passion for wildlife conservation, and the years of experience from wildlife officials and conservationists. He urged forest officials to write more about wildlife conservation and share their experiences in ways that contribute to practical and applicable policy solutions.
Yadav also stressed the need for capacity building among forest officials and staff, incorporating global best practices. He highlighted the role of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in taking knowledge sharing to a global level under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
Recognizing the contributions of grassroots workers in tiger conservation, the NTCA awarded wildlife officials and other contributors for their exemplary work in tiger conservation and protected area management. The ceremony also honored frontline personnel whose efforts are crucial for wildlife conservation.
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