TigerConservation – As India marks 50 years of Project Tiger, the Union government has set up four specialised working groups to conduct a comprehensive review of policies linked to tiger conservation over the past five decades.

The move comes at a significant moment for the country’s flagship wildlife programme, which was launched in 1973 to safeguard the tiger and preserve its natural habitat. Over the years, the initiative has grown into one of the world’s most recognised conservation efforts, contributing to a steady rise in the tiger population and the creation of multiple protected reserves across India.

Four Regional Panels to Lead the Assessment

The newly formed working groups will operate across four broad tiger landscapes — North, South, East and West. Each panel has been tasked with studying policy decisions taken during the 50-year journey of Project Tiger and evaluating their effectiveness in today’s conservation landscape.

Their mandate includes identifying which measures remain relevant, which practices may no longer serve current needs, and what policy shifts are required to guide conservation efforts for the next 25 years. The reports prepared by these groups will be submitted ahead of the upcoming 29th meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

The NTCA, which has supervised the implementation of Project Tiger since its inception, has held 28 policy meetings so far, shaping strategies that have influenced tiger protection and habitat management across the country.

Examining Population Trends and Ground Realities

Beyond reviewing policy documents, the panels will also focus on field-level realities. This includes analysing long-term trends in tiger populations across different regions and studying the availability of prey species that sustain them. Experts will assess ecological and human factors that may have influenced population increases or declines.

In addition, the groups will evaluate operational aspects such as the working conditions and requirements of frontline forest staff, the effectiveness of centrally sponsored schemes, and gaps in programme implementation. By combining policy analysis with ground data, the government aims to ensure that future conservation strategies are both practical and evidence-based.

Minister Calls for Adaptive and Coordinated Approach

Speaking at a conference in Alwar attended by Chief Wildlife Wardens of tiger range states and Field Directors of tiger reserves, Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupendra Yadav said the analytical exercise would help policymakers respond more effectively to emerging challenges.

He noted that conservation strategies must evolve in line with changing environmental pressures, technological advancements, and socio-economic realities. According to the minister, well-researched reports from the working groups will support better decision-making and strengthen on-ground implementation of wildlife protection measures.

Yadav also emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between the NTCA and leading scientific and research institutions. He encouraged greater coordination with organisations such as the Wildlife Institute of India, the Botanical Survey of India, the Zoological Survey of India, and the Indian Council for Forestry Research and Education. Improved institutional synergy, he said, would enhance scientific inputs in policymaking and field management.

Building on Five Decades of Conservation Efforts

Project Tiger began at a time when the country’s tiger population had fallen sharply due to poaching, habitat loss and human encroachment. The initiative focused on creating dedicated tiger reserves, strengthening legal frameworks, and involving local communities in conservation efforts.

Over the decades, the programme has expanded significantly, both in scale and scope. Today, India is home to the largest population of wild tigers in the world, and its network of tiger reserves plays a vital role in preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance.

The current review signals an intent to reflect on past achievements while preparing for future challenges. With climate change, habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict posing fresh concerns, policymakers appear keen to recalibrate strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.

The findings of the four regional panels are expected to shape the next phase of tiger conservation in India, reinforcing the country’s commitment to protecting one of its most iconic species.