Project Tiger — Definition
Definition
Project Tiger is India's flagship wildlife conservation program launched on April 1, 1973, with the primary objective of ensuring a viable population of tigers in their natural habitats and protecting them from extinction.
The project was initiated during Indira Gandhi's tenure as Prime Minister, following alarming reports that India's tiger population had declined to just 1,827 individuals. The program represents a paradigm shift from traditional hunting-based wildlife management to scientific conservation approaches.
At its core, Project Tiger operates on the principle of creating inviolate spaces called 'core areas' where human activities are prohibited, surrounded by 'buffer zones' where regulated human activities are permitted.
This dual-zone concept ensures that tigers have undisturbed breeding and feeding grounds while allowing local communities to continue their traditional livelihoods in designated areas. The project is administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), a statutory body established under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
NTCA works in coordination with state governments to implement tiger conservation strategies across a network of designated tiger reserves. The funding mechanism involves both central and state government contributions, with the central government providing 60% of the funds and state governments contributing 40%.
Over five decades, Project Tiger has evolved from a simple tiger protection initiative to a comprehensive ecosystem conservation program that protects not just tigers but entire forest ecosystems, benefiting numerous other species.
The project has achieved remarkable success, with tiger numbers increasing from 1,827 in 2014 to 2,967 in 2019 according to the latest All India Tiger Estimation. This success story demonstrates how focused conservation efforts, backed by strong legal frameworks and community participation, can reverse the decline of endangered species.
The project's significance extends beyond conservation, contributing to India's soft power diplomacy and positioning the country as a global leader in wildlife conservation.