AIRCEL-SAVE TIGER CAMPAIGN

8/7/2019 AIRCEL-SAVE TIGER CAMPAIGN

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Principal communication to Chief Ministers

Protecting the tiger, our national animal, and its forests, is crucial to the water, food and economicsecurity of the state. These forests are life-saving infrastructures which will save lives, and livelihoods asclimate change moves into higher gear.

Enhancing protection for these forests not only consolidates the ecological and economic foundation ofthe state, but would also prevents insurrectionists and terrorists, who are in league with the illegal timber andwildlife trade, from stealing forest wealth, which they are using to buy arms and ammunition and to sustaintheir cadres engaged in anti-national activities.

It is possible to offer guaranteed employment to all adults living in communities immediately surroundingtiger forests.

Immediate Action Points:

1. Protect the Protectors: Fill forest Guard vacancies within six months. Give forest guards

better working conditions, the best leadership, equipment and training and restore footpatrols.

2. Consolidate Tiger Reserves: Notify buffer zones, protect corridors, stop large scale

construction, mining, and damaging projects in and around tiger reserves, divert newhighway alignments away from core/critical tiger habitats and restrict traffic from dusk todawn in existing ones.

3. Resettle Villages from core/critical tiger habitats: This should be quick, fair and voluntary.

4. Compensate livestock deaths quickly: Work with NTCA-recommended independent NGOs to

certify eligibility. Make quick and fair payments to prevent poisoning of carcases.

5. Crackdown on poaching: Follow up tight patrolling with speedy convictions and levy

punative spot fines and seize vehicles of offenders.

6. Declare tiger reserve buffers as Green Economic Zones (GEZ): All adults

living OUTSIDE, within 10 sq km of critical and core critical tiger habitats to be offeredlivelihoods based on the restoration of the habitat.
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8 STATES AGENDA

UTTRAKHAND

The Terai landscape in Uttarakhand stretching from Yamuna to Sharda river currently has about 200+ tigerswith Corbett as the main source. This amounts to one-sixth of the current tiger population in India, but thestate has the potential to hold a significantly larger number. Towards this end, at the very least, the followingsteps are required to be taken within a period of three years:

Consolidate Greater Corbett Landscape with the Ramnagar and Terai forest divisions under theunified control of the Field Director, Corbett Tiger Reserve.

Notify and protect corridors along the Terai Arc ie. Kosi river, Gola river corridor to facilitate animalmovement and minimiseconflict. The Terai Arc landscape from Yamuna to Sharda should be oneconservation unit..

Remove the Sundarkhal encroachment bordering Corbett.

Ensure the relocation of the Khandgaon village and ammunition Dump from Rajaji. Removeirrigation colony (Kalagarh).

Relocate Gujjars from the critical Corbett precincts.

Set up a Special Tiger Protection Force.

UTTAR PRADESH

Has a population of about 100 tigers, with Dudhwa as the main source. Consolidating this part of the Terai

landscape is vital for the survival of tigers in UP Declare core critical tiger habitat of Dudhwa

Ensure smooth fund flow to Dudhwa

Relocate Surma village from Dudhwas core

Pilibhit has been given the in-principle approval by the centre as a tiger reserve, it must be declaredand notified at the earliest. Declare Suhelwa Sanctuary as part of Dudhwa. Secure the fragmentedPilibhit-Kishanpur-Dudhwa-Katerniaghat-Suhelwa corridor which is one of the most potential tigerhabitats in north India. This will minimize human-animal conflict which is a major concern in U.P.

A scheme/subsidy to incentivize farmers to shift from sugarcane cultivation to other crops likemustard etc, as sugarcane fosters conflict. Sugarcane is of the same genre as wild grasses andoffer good camouflage and shelter to tigers, leopards and other wild animals and attractselephants..

Set up Special Tiger Protection Force


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MADHYA PRADESH

MP had the highest number of tigers in India, at about 300 according to the last estimation. The populationhas seen a sharp decline since then, with tigers being wiped out from Panna. M.P. nevertheless, has thepotential to hold a significantly larger number. Towards this end, at the very least, the following steps arerequired to be taken within a period of three years:

Resettle villages from the core of Kanha and Satpura Tiger Reserves.

Halt widening of the NH7 highway, which cuts through the Kanha-Pench corridor. The best optionwill be to re-direct it from outside Pench.

The Kanha-Pench landscape corridor hosts between 100-120 tigers at present. Improve the forestcover along the Kanha-Pench corridor to enable easy movement of wildlife and also to improve thecarrying capacity of the entire landscape. With adequate protection just the Pench-Kanhalandscape (20,000) could house close to 250 tigers.

Accountability of officers, as in the case of Panna, Bandhavgarh (death of tigress by vehicle) andPench (burning of a tiger cub carcass) incidents.

A qualified Resettlement Officer should be appointed by the State Government dedicated to thetask of voluntary shifting of villages.

Tourism in tiger reserves should be handled by a dedicated ACF-level tourism officer and not byACF or RFO from the wildlife wing whose responsibility is and should be protection.

Stop airstrip work near Suktara village near Pench Tiger Reserve (MP)

NTCA and Madhya Pradesh states should declare Tiger Corridors publicly sothat all other agenciesshould stop considering any new projects in the area.

Issue final notifications of all the PAs which have been part of Tiger Reserves and notify proposedPAs in corridor on priority basis.( Rukhard in MP)


KARNATAKA

The Bandipur-Nagarhole landscape is part of the crucial Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve hosting over 250 tigers,over 2000 elephants and many other rare species, besides being a source of perennial rivers:

The easy availability of water after construction of several dams in the landscape has altered thecropping pattern as farmers have moved from millet (traditional) to sugarcane and other waterintensive crops. Encourage the farmers to move back to millet through subsidies or get intoecosystem farming to ensure minimal conflict with tigers and elephants and other wild animals.

Fill vacant forest staff posts immediately - more than 50 per cent posts are vacant at the moment.

Redirect all public roads that pass through tiger reserves.



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Establish eco-sensitive zones in the immediate vicinity of tiger reserves to reduce pressure fromhaphazard growth in hotels and other construction in vital wildlife corridors.

RAJASTHANThe disappearance of the tiger from Sariska in 2004 gave a big jolt to Rajasthans reputation of being animportant tiger state. Since then, the protection mechanism has improved, however to ensure a rapid andsustainable recovery the government must:

Resettle remaining forest villages out of Ranthambhore and Sariska

Ban heavy vehicles through State Highway13 that passes through Sariska.

Improve forest cover and protection in Keladevi and Sawai Mansingh sanctuaries to provide spacefor more tigers. Ranthambhore currently has about 40 tigers. With better habitat availability thepopulation can double in five years.

Fill vacant forest staff posts immediately. Ranthambhore currently has over 50 per cent vacancies

at the field level.

A qualified Resettlement Officer should be appointed by the State Government dedicated to thetask of voluntary shifting of villages.


MAHARASTRA

Notify buffer zones around tiger reserves.

Declare an eco-sensitive zone around Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve to curb construction of

tourism complexes in existing corridors.

NH 7 should be re-directed so that it does not cut through Pench. Nearly 9 km of the highwaycurrently passes through Pench.

NH 6 also should not be widened. It passes through the corridor between Nagzria WildlifeSanctuary and Navegaon National Park.

The Mansinghdev forest must be notified as a Sanctuary and be made part of the Pench TigerReserve.

Vacate the Totladoh irrigation departments settlement that exists inside Pench

Fill vacant forest staff posts

Stop the mining projects in Pench(MP)-Satpuda corridor (Maharashtra)

NTCA and Maharashtra, should declare Tiger Corridors publicly sothat all other agencies shouldstop considering any new projects in the area.

Issue final notifications of all the PAs which have been part of Tiger Reserves and notify proposedPAs in corridor on priority basis.(Mahendri in Maharashtra)



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TAMIL NADU

Notify the buffer area of Kalakad-Mundanthurai and also of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.

Declare eco-sensitive zone in the vicinity of the tiger reserves to reduce both tourism pressure andminimise man-animal conflict.

A system of speedy and fair compensation for livestock kills and crop damage to prevent retaliatorykilling and win support of local people for wildlife conservation.

Voluntary relocation of villages/tribal settlements out of core tiger habitats.

Identify and protect crucial tiger and elephant corridors. The corridor passing close to the Moyargorge is the last remaining elephant corridor between Western and Eastern Ghats. Nodevelopmental activities must be allowed in and around this area

Fill vacant forest staff posts. Currently there is almost 40 per cent staff shortage.

Set up Set up Special Tiger Protection Force.

ASSAM

Besides having the largest populations of the one horned rhino, Kaziranga enjoys the distinction ofsupporting the highest density of tigers in the world. To keep them safe the government must:

Crack down on poaching in the Kaziranga National Park and also on illegal timber and wildlifetrade, which is also known to finance militant outfits.

Not widen the NH-37 highway, which cuts through the vital Kaziranga-Karbi Anlong. If possible, thehighway must be redirected so that it does not pass

Declare Eco-sensitive zone around Kaziranga to reduce human conflict with tiger, rhino andelephants

Set up the Special Tiger Protection Force in the Manas Tiger Reserve. Insurgency and poachinghave nearly wiped out tigers and rhinos and adversely affected more than 10 endangeredmammals found there.

Set up a Special Tiger Protection Force.


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ADDRESSING ISSUES

Relocation of Villages to prevent encroachment of buffer zones.

Stopping highway construction through forests.

Stopping Illegal mining and Timber trade in Forest Areas which lead to erosion of Forest corridors.


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Setting up of a Tiger Protection Force to check poaching.

Fill up Forest Guard Vacancies for better control and monitoring over the poaching issue.

Equipment provision & Training to Forest Guards to face challenges and tackle poachers.

Adequate compensation to villagers to stop revenge killing.


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WHAT PEOPLE CAN DO??

LEAD THE CHANGE

Spread the WordLet everyone know that our tigers are on the brink of extinction and that they need us. Now. You can start byjoining the Save Our Tigers movement on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, and spreading the word wherever yougo online or offline.

SMSA short message can go a long way to help save our tigers. Let all your friends know about the movement throughSMS just type in your message and ask them to visit SaveOurTigers.com to join the roar.

Write to EditorsWrite a letter or an email to editors of popular newspapers and magazines, asking them to support the cause andhighlight the urgency to save our tigers. The more people we can reach and inform, the louder our roar will be.

DonateOrganizations such as WWF and The Corbett Foundation work for tiger conservation and need our active support.If possible, you can chip in with funds, volunteer for work or donate clothes, etc. for the forest guards by tying upwith such organizations.

Volunteer for Our TigersYour time is the most important contribution for our tigers. If you think you have the skills or the commitment tohelp the tigers on-site, do contact an NGO working for tiger conservation to volunteer for our tigers.

Preserve our Natural ResourcesLoss of habitat is one of our tigers biggest problems. We can reduce pressure on forests by avoiding unnecessaryuse of forest-derived products, such as paper and timber.

Be a Responsible TouristVisit tiger sanctuaries and national parks and discover our countrys natural heritage. But please remember thatthe wilderness is to be experienced, not to be polluted by packets of chips, etc

SPEAK UP

Write a letter or an email to editors of popular newspapers and magazines, asking them to support thecause and highlight the urgency to save our tigers. The more people we can reach and inform, the strongerour roar will be.

DONATENo matter how big or small, your support can make a difference to save our tigers. There are many credibleorganizations working towards tiger conservation in India, and they need your support. WWF-India is onesuch organization at the forefront of the effort. Click on the link below to see how you can chip in and help...every little bit helps.

WWF-INDIA

http://www.wwfindia.org/help/donate_for_tigers/
http://www.wwfindia.org/help/donate_for_tigers/http://www.wwfindia.org/help/donate_for_tigers/http://www.saveourtigers.com/pdf/66%20tigers%20dead%20in%208%20months.pdfhttp://www.saveourtigers.com/pdf/66%20tigers%20dead%20in%208%20months.pdfhttp://www.saveourtigers.com/pdf/66%20tigers%20dead%20in%208%20months.pdfhttp://www.saveourtigers.com/pdf/66%20tigers%20dead%20in%208%20months.pdfhttp://www.saveourtigers.com/pdf/66%20tigers%20dead%20in%208%20months.pdfhttp://www.saveourtigers.com/pdf/66%20tigers%20dead%20in%208%20months.pdfhttp://www.saveourtigers.com/pdf/66%20tigers%20dead%20in%208%20months.pdfhttp://www.wwfindia.org/help/donate_for_tigers/


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ROAR ONLINE

See it to believe it.

Watch. Share. Participate.

'Stripey' the cub blogs about the issues concerning our national animal.

'Stripey' the cub is on Facebook.

And he needs your support.

Tweet for our Tigers.

Every word counts..

WHATS THE PROGRESS??

Actions speak louder than words - this is how the movement is gainingmomentum.

With just 1400 tigers left in the country the next few years are crucial if the national animal is to be savedfrom extinction and the time to act is now. Aircel & NDTV have drawn up a Tiger Agenda - urgent measuresthat need to be taken to address the rapidly dwindling population of our Tigers. This agenda will be taken to

all the chief ministers of tiger states and they will be asked to act now on the following matters - from fillingall vacancies in the forest department, to notifying buffer zones around tiger parks to taking stringent antipoaching measures. On 18th July NDTV did a signature campaign across 6 cities to garner support for thisagenda. The signature campaign met with a terrific response with lakhs of people pledging their support forthe cause taking our tally over 6 lakh signatures collected and counting.
http://saveourtigers.com/blog/http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stripey-the-Cub/316470889745?ref=tshttp://twitter.com/saveourtigershttp://twitter.com/saveourtigershttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Stripey-the-Cub/316470889745?ref=tshttp://saveourtigers.com/blog/http://www.saveourtigers.com/WhatCanDouTube.php


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MS Dhoni, the Indian Cricket captain has pledged his support to the cause inUttarakhand.

Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has a new role, he is batting for tigers. As part of the NDTV-Aircel SaveOur Tigers Initiative.Dhoni along with NDTVs Vikram Chandra presented the Uttarakhand Tiger Agenda tothe Chief Minister, Mr Ramesh Pokhriyal. The CM pledged his support to the agenda and appointed Dhonias the Brand Ambassador of Uttarakhand Tigers and Honorary Wildlife Warden of Uttarakhand.

Peoples opinion

DeepaBhatnagarGhaziabadTigers are facing extinction. It is a serious problem and we all need to look into this. We must take up thefollowing measures: firstly, poachers must be dealt with severely, appropriate coverage of the same must bedone to let people know of serious consequences - be it the inward villagers, authorities, political parties,celebrities or anyone else.Secondly, the government must acknowledge and reward people bringing information on and around theillegal activities carried out in forest areas.Thirdly, provision of funds must be made in association with the government and NGOs for rehabilitation oftigers, with immediate effect.

TGRamesh-Bangalore.Tiger tourism must be centralized. An eco-tourism corporation must be created and managed by aprofessional board of directors. Safaris in all the tiger reserves across the country must be conducted by thiscompany alone. They should standardize the vehicles, set a carriage capacity, have trained locals as guidesand the drivers must be employees of this corporation. There should not be any concessions for VIPs insuch tiger reserves. The local forest departments must manage and protect the parks. The income earnedby this corporation must be ploughed back and invested in empowering local communities engaged inconservation of the animal.

S.KrishnaKumar-Dombivali,Mumbai.The slogan should, in fact, not only be "Save our Tigers""but also "Multiply the Population of Tigers". Mysuggestion is: "Save and Multiply Tigers in India".Forest conservationists/supervisors must be appropriately armed to face the poachers and take strict actionsagainst those found poaching and/or killing tigers. The forest officials should be suitably rewarded forpreventing poaching/killing of tigers.Poachers should be given severe punishment with no provision for bail. A rigorous imprisonment forminimum 10 years would be a deterrent. Involving and rewarding the local villagers in the vicinity of tigerparks so they may keep a watchful eye on poachers and killers is also important. Areas must be clearlydemarcated for tigers to move freely also in a manner where the poachers cannot and must not be allowed

to enter.

SANCTUARY ASIA
http://www.saveourtigers.com/page_gallery_images/dhoni/IMG_2745.JPGhttp://www.saveourtigers.com/page_gallery_images/dhoni/IMG_2742.JPG


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Updates from the campaignAircel Presents Kids for Tigers (The Sanctuary Tiger Programme: 2010 2011)Aircel has partnered with Sanctuary Magazine on "Kids for Tigers". Kids for Tigers is an action basedenvironmental education programme in 275 schools across 15 cities pan-India. This program has beenrunning for the last ten years by Sanctuary Asiaseditor, Bittu Sahgal. By using the tiger as a symbol of theenvironmental health of our country, explaining how the survival of the tiger in the wild is linked with thesurvival of all of the diverse natural richness that India is gifted with along with climate change mitigation.Kids for Tigers has been active for the last 10 years and the theme for 2010-2011 is Save Our Tigers.

Achievements of this campaign

Two day symposium in Delhi on the " The Future of the Bengal Tiger " where the keynoteaddresses were by Dr. Karan Singh, Mr. Jairam Ramesh and other known conservationalists ,Valmik Thapar and Belinda Wright. This was followed by the Teachers Environmental LeadershipWorkshop for all the schools participating in KFT from Delhi.

Two-day symposium on The Future of the Bengal Tiger in Kolkata followed by the TeachersEnvironmental Leadership Workshop for all the schools participating in KFT from Kolkata andSunderbans.

Actor Naseeruddin Shah flagged off the Kids for Tigers' Save Our Tigers rally of 400+ kids from theMahadevi Birla Girls Higher Secondary School in Kolkata. Mr.Fateh Singh Rathore, Dr.Samir Sinhaof WWF Traffic India, Mr.Pradeep Vyas the Director of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve andDr.Monirul H.Khan (from Bangladesh) too were part of the rally.

A similar two-day event took place across Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore.

Eco- friendly Ganesh Festival at Amravati

KFT Rally at Nirmal High School in Gondia on the occasion of Nag Panchami

NDTV KFT signature campaign across the four metros: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore andKolkata where around 3,47,000 signatures were collected

o Mumbai - 43,789

Delhi - 32,982Bangalore - 1,27,489Chennai - 60,360Kolkatta - 82,440Total - 3,47,060

o Highest number of signatures : A total of 1,27,489 signatures were collected

by the schools in Bangalore. Vidyaniketan Public school, Ullalupanagar got thehighest number of signatures - 29,009 !

KFT Tree plantation activity that took place at Govt. Secondary School, Ranwal, Sawai Madhopuron Aug 8, 2010.

"Sundarban Chapter" structured a rally on Thursday November 11, 2010 to mark the Wildlife Weekthat is being observed throughout the state by the Forest Department. Around 500+ kids from 2schools of Sonaga walked across the village to pledge support for Bengal Tigers. A few monthsearlier a Tiger had entered this particular village & a woman was unfortunately mauled. Shehowever recovered after a thorough treatment extended by the Forest Department. The Tiger thatwas hiding inside a cowshed was cordoned off by members of the local Eco DevelopmentCommittee (EDC) & thereafter was tranquilized & rescued by the Forest Department. It was laterreleased inside the core area of the Sundarban Tiger Reserve, healthy & safe. As part of


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conservation initiatives, such rallies boost the morale of both the field staff & local EDC memberswho jointly tackle such sensitive situations.

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