Arunachal Minister takes a daring ride with Royal Bengal tiger to convey message about wildlife conservation

Forest, Environment and Sports minister Mama Natung, from Arunachal Pradesh, took a ride with a Royal Bengal tiger to convey an important message about wildlife conservation. The daring stunt was a humble attempt by the minister to urge people to save tigers from extinction.

Arunachal Pradesh is home to the Namdapha Tiger Reserve, which was declared the 15th Tiger Project of the country in 1983. The Reserve covers a core area of 1808 Sq.Km and a buffer area of 177 Sq.Km, making it a vital area for tiger conservation.

Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed a significant increase in tiger population over the years. According to the status of tigers in India released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, the state now has 29 tigers. This is a remarkable increase from zero in 2010.

The increase in tiger population is attributed to better protection of the tiger habitats and the use of technology in a scientific manner. The state has four tiger habitats - Pakke Tiger Reserve, Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Kamlang Tiger Reserve, and Debang Wildlife Sanctuary.

Mama Natung, the Forest, Environment & Sports Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, believes in the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family). He urged people to treat rivers, forests, birds, and animals as their own family members to protect the environment.

The minister also called for enhanced community partnership and urged people to change the way they think about nature. He even invited people to visit the Northeast, especially Arunachal Pradesh, saying that "there are no air purifiers in the Northeast, and we plan to keep it that way."

In 2021, Arunachal Pradesh's environment, forest & climate change department was felicitated for its ‘Airgun Surrender Abhiyan’ during the 6th edition of the NGS held in Silchar. The initiative was even appreciated by Prime Minister Modi in his radio program Mann ki Baat. The award was presented to Mama Natung in recognition of the state government's efforts to protect and conserve the rare, unique, and endangered wildlife of the state from being hunted.