Bettiah: The International Tiger Day was observed across the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran on Wednesday with a series of awareness programmes aimed at promoting wildlife conservation and environmental protection.Activities were organised in the Madanpur, Valmikinagar, Gonauli, Harnatand, Chiutaha, Radhia, Gobardhana, Manguraha and Bettiah forest ranges. School students, members of Eco Development Committees and local public representatives participated in awareness marches, cycle rallies, essay-writing and painting competitions.Students securing the top three positions in the competitions were felicitated, while forest personnel who made notable contributions to patrolling and wildlife protection were honoured with certificates and mementoes.VTR field director and conservator of forests Gaurav Ojha said the main programme was held at the Manguraha forest range under Division-I. He said the events were organised to sensitise students and local communities about the importance of protecting tigers, forests and the environment.“Tigers are the lifeline of forests, and forests are essential for a healthy environment. Protecting tigers and their habitats is the responsibility of every citizen,” Ojha said.He said around 450 forest personnel are engaged in round-the-clock surveillance in the reserve. Anti-poaching camps and regular patrols are conducted to curb illegal hunting, while grasslands have been expanded and waterholes developed to improve habitat conditions and ensure adequate prey and water availability for wildlife.According to official figures, the tiger population in VTR increased from around 8-10 in 2010 to 28 in 2014 and 31 in 2018. The 2022-23 official estimation recorded 54 tigers, and the latest assessment has indicated a further rise in their numbers.VTR comprises 598.45 sq km of core area and 300.93 sq km of buffer zone. While human activities are strictly restricted in the core area, regulated activities and eco-tourism are permitted in the buffer zone. Forest officials expressed confidence that sustained conservation measures would further strengthen the tiger population in the reserve.
Winners of several competitions at a VTR felicitation programme in West Champaran on Wednesday.
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