With people from various sections of society voicing for the conservation of Forests and Wildlife, V.Ganesan, Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director of Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) has said that the contributions of former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi is still unmatched by anyone towards wildlife conservation.
Speaking on ‘Truth About Tigers’ at Special Enviro Meet, commemorating the Global Tiger Day (29th July) at Bharathiyar University here on Monday, Ganesan added that it was the efforts taken by her during her regime had led to the effective conservation of forests and its animals.
“She has done so many things towards conservation and has implemented numerous acts for the preservation of tigers including strong efforts in eradicating poaching in the late 1980s,” he informed adding that she was responsible for the conversion of one sanctuary into four in Tamil Nadu.
Quoting her words in the first United Nations Environmental Programme, where she had said, “Nature conservation is nothing but saving human life”, Ganesan explained the importance of various acts introduced by her.
However, he also opined that Mrs.Gandhi did not give as much importance to elephants as the direness of elephant conservation emerged in the early nineties.
Claiming that Tiger Conservation was a complex problem, he called for a unified approach in the protection of Tigers. “Unless and otherwise individuals come together, no animal can be conserved as it is a collective problem, added Ganesan.
The IFS officer also said that the preservation of the remaining sanctuaries would benefit towards the betterment of environment.
Talking to media later, Ganesan said that the use of drones for aerial monitoring in ATR would be based on requirement.
K.Kalidasan, President of Osai, which jointly organized the event along with the Nature Club of Bharathiyar University, also spoke about the importance of tigers.
Later on the day, office bearers of the club took charge of their respective posts. A documentary made by one of the students was also released on the day.
