Question : Decline in Population of Tigers

(a) whether the Government has taken note of declining tiger population in the country including Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha;
(b) if so, the details and the reasons thereof along with the number of tigers in the country at present State/UT-wise including Chhattisgarh;
(c) the steps taken and schemes being implemented by the Government for tiger conservation and to check poaching in the country along with the funds provided to various States for the purpose, State/UT-wise including Odisha; and
(d) the steps being taken to increase funds for tiger conservation scheme in accordance with the requirements of the States for the said purpose?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

(a) & (b) The tiger population in India has shown an increase since the first cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation using the refined methodology in 2006, which was subsequently carried out quadrennially in 2010, 2014 and 2018, details of which are at Annexure-I. The Satkosia is a low density Tiger Reserve with potential to sustain more tigers.

(c) The milestone initiatives taken by the Government of India for conservation and protection of tigers are at Annexure-II. The funding assistance is provided under the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger to States for conservation and protection of tiger. The details are at Annexure-III.

(d) The budget allocation is prioritized in order to maximize protection, monitoring and eco-development activities while dovetailing with resources available with other schemes and State Governments.

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