Conservation success

Solar electricity for villages in and around Satpura tiger reserve, primary school for those in Kanha tiger reserve and a special fire fighting unit in Madhumallai tiger reserve are some stories of the unsung heroes of India emphatic reversal of decline in tiger numbers since late 1990s.

Solar electricity for villages in and around Satpura tiger reserve, primary school for those in Kanha tiger reserve and a special fire fighting unit in Madhumallai tiger reserve are some stories of the unsung heroes of India emphatic reversal of decline in tiger numbers since late 1990s.

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"Infrastructure development for locals has resulted in they providing us with information about poachers or other illegal activities," said an official from Satpura tiger reserve. Shailesh Ranjan, of Dudwa tiger reserve, said increased criminal action against poachers and their well wishers has resulted in not even a single poaching case in 2010. H S Negi from Kanha tiger reserve said about Rs 3 crore earned through tourism has been distributed among locals for their upliftment. Such success stories of enabling local participation to protect tigers are rare in India.