Valmikinagar, 29th July, 2023: Valmiki Tiger Reserve came alive with festivities as the Department of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Govt. of Bihar, joined hands with Wildlife Trust of India and WWF-India to celebrate International Tiger Day. The event witnessed a momentous gathering, including the honorable MLA of Valmikinagar, Mr. Dhirendra Pratap Singh, along with public representatives from nearby villages, researchers, and representatives from various organizations.

The celebrations spanned five days from 25th to 29th July, with various engaging activities taking place. Students from Saint Xavier School and Rajkiy Val Vidyaliya Kendra, Madhya Vidyalaya in Valmikinagar participated enthusiastically in painting, essay writing, visiting the eco-park, and a thrilling cycle rally. Not to be left behind, the frontline Forest Staff also showcased their skills in a running competition. The festivities on 29th July were grander with the presence of around 80 students, 30 public representatives, 20 researchers, and representatives from non-government organizations, ICICI Bank Limited, and 50 forest staff from the Valmiki Tiger Reserve.

Honorable MLA, Deputy Director, VTR in the International Tiger Day | Photograph by Navin Kumar, Forester, Valmikinagar Range

Deputy Director of Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Division-II, graced the occasion by inaugurating the various activities. In his address, he emphasised the significance of International Tiger Day and the crucial need to conserve tigers for maintaining ecological balance. The honorable MLA, being a resident of Valmikinagar, shared inspiring insights into the journey of the tiger reserve. He highlighted how, during the late 20th century, the reserve faced a grim situation with almost no tigers. However, through persistent efforts, the tiger population has now reached an impressive 54 individuals in 2023. He lauded the collective efforts of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve management, along with civil societies like WTI and WWF-India, grassroots organizations, and most importantly, the support and active participation of local communities. The increasing tiger population and sightings have significantly contributed to the economic development of the region. However, he also expressed concern about the rising instances of wild animals venturing into human habitations, leading to conflicts and casualties on both sides.

Mr. Subrat K. Behera, Project Head of WTI, addressed the gathering, shedding light on the vital role of public representatives in tiger conservation. He earnestly appealed for their support in reducing human-tiger conflicts, combating poaching, curbing plastic use, and promoting effective waste management in neighboring villages. Encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices, such as improved cook-stoves, responsible agriculture, and better livestock care and management, he urged the public representatives to allocate budgets in their respective Gram Panchayats for eco-development activities.

International Tiger Day celebrations at Valmikinagar | Photograph by Sunil Kumar

The event concluded with a heartwarming felicitation ceremony, where all the competition winners were recognized and honored with mementos and certificates, celebrating their enthusiasm and dedication towards tiger conservation.

The International Tiger Day celebration in Valmiki Tiger Reserve was not just a celebration of our national animal but also a testament to the collective efforts of various stakeholders in securing future of tiger and other wild animals. The event’s success has ignited a renewed sense of commitment among the attendees to safeguard the region’s biodiversity and foster harmonious coexistence with the wildlife.

WTI has been working in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve since 2003 in partnership with the Bihar Forest Department. Today, Valmiki is a success and has recently been approved with the CATS tag. Know more about WTI’s Protected Area Recovery here.