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Govt to do utmost to save tiger: Manmohan
He also expressed deep concern about the decline in the tiger population.
Expressing deep concern about the decline in the tiger population and the denudation of forests, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said his government would do all to protect the endangered species.
At the release of the book "The Kaziranga Inheritance" here, Manmohan Singh said management of forests required special attention in order to preserve the legacy of nature.
"I had sought a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into (the decline in the tiger population) and our government will take all required steps to protect the tiger and other endangered species," Singh told a gathering of green activists at his 7, Race Course Road residence.
"I am deeply concerned about what is happening in our forests. Reports of the decline in the tiger population have once again alerted us to this grim reality."
Alarmed by reports of tigers vanishing from popular wildlife parks such as Sariska in Rajasthan, the prime minister had ordered a probe and also set up a national panel to go into what could turn out to be the worst wildlife crises for India in recent times.
Manmohan Singh said the government had decided to pursue policies that gave a stake to the tribal communities in the preservation of the eco-system of forests and ensure sustainable development.
"Unless those who live in forests acquire a stake in the protection of the eco-system and of all species, we cannot save them from the depredation of poachers and other intruders."
The prime minister described the Kaziranga sanctuary of Assam as a global treasure, and a place with a special meaning for him, as he represented its home state Assam in the Rajya Sabha.
The book, released as part of the centenary celebrations of Kaziranga, illustrates the treasure trove of India's diverse flora and fauna in exquisite images and essays.
Co-authored by environmentalists Ranjit Barthakur and Bittu Sahgal, the glossy publication also celebrates the success of Kaziranga in preserving its nature and wildlife.
"Had the prescription of Kaziranga been followed in Sariska, we would not have lost so many tigers," said Bittu Sahgal.
