India does not believe in conflict between ecology and economy, says PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) that endeavours to protect and conserve big cats

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9 said India did not believe in conflict between ecology and economy but gave importance to coexistence between the two.

Protection of wildlife was a universal issue, Mr. Modi said, launching the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) that endeavours to protect and conserve big cats.

The Prime Minister was speaking after inaugurating the programme ‘Commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger’ organised at Karnataka State Open University.

Citing data that showed the tiger population in India stood at 3,167 in 2022, Mr. Modi said, “The tiger numbers that we have reached shows that this family of ours is growing. This is a moment of pride.” Calling for a standing ovation to celebrate the rise in tiger population, he added, “I’m confident and I assure the world that in the days to come we will achieve more.” According to the data, the tiger population was 1,411 in 2006, 1,706 in 2010, 2,226 in 2014, 2,967 in 2018 and 3,167 in 2022.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Minister of State Ashwini Kumar Choubey among others were present at the event.

The Prime Minister said the success of ‘Project Tiger’ is a matter of pride not only for India but for the whole world.

Stating that India has not only saved tigers, but created an ecosystem for it to flourish, he said, “India is a country where protecting nature is part of culture.” “For wildlife to thrive, it is important for ecosystems to thrive. This has been happening in India,” he said, adding that protecting wildlife was not the issue of just one country, but actually a global one.