(Comprehensive Review of Policy Decisions and Zone-wise Mapping of Challenges essential for effective Tiger Conservation: Bhupender Yadav)
TTT NEWS NETWORK
NEW DELHI | 7 FEBRUARY 2026
Union Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Saturday called for a review of all policy decisions taken in the 28 meetings of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) held so far, to identify decisions that have become outdated, those that could not be implemented and those that have been fully executed. The initiative, he highlighted, would help Tiger Conservation policy to adapt with the challenges being encountered in present times and ensure efficient implementation of conservation measures on ground.
Addressing the inaugural session of the ‘Conference of Chief Wildlife Wardens of Tiger Range States and Field Directors of Tiger Reserves’ in Alwar, Rajasthan, as the Chief Guest, the Minister said that India has completed 50 years of tiger conservation and that this is an appropriate time for a comprehensive policy review. Setting the tone of the 2-day Conference, Shri Yadav suggested that policy decisions taken over the last five decades should be consolidated into a formal policy statement, with the issue placed as the first agenda item in the next NTCA meeting.
The conference was attended by Shri Sanjay Sharma, Forest Minister, Government of Rajasthan, besides senior officials of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, NTCA, Chief Wildlife Wardens of tiger range States, and Field Directors of tiger reserves from across the country.
Shri Yadav said issues related to tiger population estimation, rescue and rehabilitation infrastructure, human-wildlife conflict, utilisation of the Tiger Reserve Fund and the need to strengthen tiger conservation foundations require focused deliberation. The Conference would review the overall status of tiger conservation in the country and deliberate on key policy, management and operational issues.
Shri Yadav also called for the formation of four working groups to review region-specific challenges, including changes in tiger population, and to assess the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes across the Tiger Reserves of the country. Further, the Minister also asked participants to discuss ways to enhance coordination between NTCA and institutions such as Wildlife Institute of India, Botanical Survey of India, Zoological Survey of India, and Indian Council for Forestry Research and Education, so as to incorporate research inputs from these apex organisations and derive practical benefits in tiger conservation.
Highlighting the Cheetah reintroduction programme, the Minister said India has successfully carried out an international translocation of a wild species that had gone extinct in the country, with the project now reaching the third India-born generation of cheetahs. He said a new batch of cheetahs from Botswana is expected to arrive around February end.
Shri Yadav also said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi India has established the International Big Cat Alliance, which has 24 member countries so far, while several others have sought observer status. He said that international agencies such as UNDP, IUCN, FAO, CCF, GTF and GSLEP have also expressed interest in entering in association with IBCA. The Minister said that the Union Budget has announced that the first Global Big Cat Summit will be held in India. Through IBCA, he said, the three major global challenges – increasing warming, desertification of land and loss of biodiversity – can be addressed.
The Minister said the need for strong response systems becomes critical as tigers and other wildlife move beyond core areas. He said injured animals, conflict-related cases, orphaned cubs and other animals in stress require timely and professional intervention, making it essential to develop a clear and standardised framework for rescue, rehabilitation and transit treatment centres around tiger reserves. On the occasion, the Minister also released the NTCA’s outreach journal – STRIPES, besides distributing prizes to students for a painting competition organised by the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH).
Over the two days, the Conference would witness state-level officers and field managers discussing conservation priorities, implementation challenges and emerging needs in an integrated manner. The discussions would also be focussing on nationally important issues, including review of the All India Tiger Estimation 2026, protection and patrolling mechanisms, active management of tiger populations, rescue and rehabilitation infrastructure, management of human-wildlife interactions, utilisation of funds under Project Tiger and strengthening of Tiger Conservation Foundations.
Pending issues such as tiger mortality cases would also be reviewed to better align financial, administrative and technical processes with field requirements. The Conference would focus on facilitation of direct interaction between policy, management and field implementation levels, supporting informed decision-making, exchange of experiences among States and coordinated action towards national objectives for tiger conservation.
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