Addressing the Global Tiger Day 2025 celebrations at the National Zoological Park in New Delhi, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, said India has achieved a crucial step in wildlife conservation. India’s tiger reserves grow to 58 from 46 since 2014. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated ten years of hard work to saving our national animal, the tiger.

A Decade of Conservation Success

Starting with only nine tiger reserves in 1973, Project Tiger‘s achievement is visible in the continued growth in tiger reserves as protected areas. As of 2025, India’s tiger reserves grow to 58 from 46 in 2014, with an area of approximately 82,836.44 square kilometers, or 2.3% of the total land area of India. The regional conservation areas are most frustrating in Madhya Pradesh, with six reserves, and then in Karnataka, with five. In the report by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), tiger populations in India increased from 2226 in 2014 to 3682 in 2022.

The growth of tiger reserves in India and the total area of the reserves also alleviates major threats to tiger survival, such as habitat loss, poaching, and conflict with humans. Minister Yadav described the conservation programs as a part of the larger development programs in India, thus ensuring development not just for development’s sake but development that is sustainable and inclusive.

Also Read: From New York To Texas, Dangerous US Heatwave Causes Power Grid Strain And Health Risks

Nationwide Conservation Initiatives

Minister Yadav also announced a colossal tree plantation effort during the Global Tiger Day event, in which the objective is to plant over one lakh seedlings across all 58 tiger reserves. Each of the 58 tiger reserves will plant about 2,000 native trees (in the degraded areas of forests) to support the restoration of ecosystems.

In addition, Minister Yadav launched the “Plastic-Free Tiger Reserves” campaign to put a stop to single-use plastics in tiger reserves, as part of the effort to halt pollution that threatens our biodiversity. Finally, three forest nurseries were established in the Aravalli landscape to supply thousands of native plant species reliably for these afforestation efforts.

The “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign was launched to symbolically connect motherhood with nature’s nurturing role, encouraging people, especially children, to plant trees in honor of their mothers. Minister Yadav emphasized the importance of public participation, reminding citizens that Mother Earth offers food, shelter, and oxygen, much like mothers provide care and love.

Also Read: India’s Energy Revolution Is Uplifting Women And Advancing Sustainability

Global Leadership and Youth Engagement

The launch of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is another recent example of India’s contribution to global conservation efforts, specifically to protect the world’s seven big cats. The IBCA has 24 member countries and is circling the wagons around a centralized headquarters in India; this goes a long way in further solidifying India’s role as a meaningful leader in a global wildlife conservation strategy. Additionally, India is committed to initiatives in the region, such as Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), focusing on youth and sustainable lifestyles.

Minister Yadav challenged the youth to lead with humility and courage. The programs were also highlighted by the launch of four NTCA publications, two books on waterfalls and water bodies in tiger reserves, and a report on the small cats in tiger habitats. Seven areas of NTCA awards acknowledged successes in habitat management, anti-poaching, public outreach, relocation efforts, and posthumous service.

Also Read:  Deadly Floods And Rains In Beijing Claim At Least 34 Lives