Agniveers to join tiger protection force as Int'l Tiger Day marked with afforestation, anti-plastic drives
The day also saw large-scale afforestation and anti-plastic drives across the Corbett and Rajaji tiger reserves, which are home to an estimated 260 and 54 tigers, respectively.
"I congratulate everyone on Global Tiger Day. The tiger population in India has been steadily increasing. Today, we have more than 3,600 tigers in the country, with 560 of them in Uttarakhand," Dhami said. "This places our state among the top three tiger states.
Agniveers will play a key role in the tiger task force, helping strengthen conservation efforts while also providing employment to the youth."
In Corbett, over 2,100 saplings were planted across 54 sites in Bijrani, Dhela, Sarpduli, Kalagarh, and Jhirna ranges. In Rajaji, around 2,000 trees of local and shade-giving varieties were planted across various beats and ranges including Gram-Ganga Bhogpur Malla, Chillawali, Rawasan, Beribada, Dhaulakhand, Motichur, Ramgarh, Kansro, Gauhri, and Chilla.
Dr Saket Badola, field director of Corbett Tiger Reserve, said, "The tiger is not just a species but a symbol of a healthy ecosystem. Saving tigers means protecting forests, water sources, and the climate." He also praised the efforts of field staff and local communities.
Cleanliness drives were carried out under the Plastic-Free Tiger Reserve campaign. In Rajaji, forest staff and villagers collected plastic bottles, polythene, and other waste.
A similar drive took place in Corbett along NH-309 from Amdanda to Garjia, with active participation from students, members of the Jim Corbett GM Association, and GIC Dhikuli. Over 200 kilograms of dry waste were collected.
In collaboration with AIIMS-Rishikesh, a workshop was held for forest personnel from the Gauhri, Chilla, and Motichur ranges of Rajaji Tiger Reserve. Doctors provided hands-on training in first aid and emergency response in case of wild animal attacks.
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