Page 53 - Mann Ki Baat - English

"The forest department provides training to tribal youth
in tour guiding and other forest-related skills to offer
employment opportunities. Women in the area have been
trained in making incense sticks and sewing through self-
help groups, providing them with new opportunities."
– Bandu Kumare, Tourist
Guide, Tadoba-Andhari
Tiger Reserve

The remarkable conservation efforts of the Chenchu tribe
in Andhra Pradesh's Nallamala hills were also highlighted
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during ‘Mann ki Baat’. Tiger
Trackers meticulously monitor the movements of wild animals
and vigilantly oversee illegal activities within the forest.
In a similar vein, the Baagh Mitr Karykram initiative in Pilibhit,
Uttar Pradesh, trains local residents as 'Tiger Friends,' who
play a crucial role in preventing conflicts between tigers and
humans. These innovative approaches are part of a broader
array of conservation efforts taking place across the country.
“In the Atmakur division of Nallamala Forest, we have 29 anti-
poaching base camps, each will engage five protection watchers,
primarily Chenchus. These protection watchers will patrol with
our staff, tracking tiger movements through sightings, footprints
and cameras. Their vigilance will prevent poaching and
encroachment, playing a vital role in wildlife conservation at the
Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR).”

– M Pattabhi
(Nallamala Forest Range
Officer)

"We identify the roaming areas and tracks of tigers,
photographing their footprints and reporting them to the
rangers. We can also locate the habitats of both herbivores
and carnivores, ensuring that they return safely to where they
started in the forest."
– Chennaiah, Forest
Protection Watcher,
Atmakur Base Camp)

“With the tiger population increasing, we are very happy and
proud of our work as protection watchers. Our efforts have
been recognized and appreciated by our honourable Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, whose encouraging remarks have
brought us new motivation and excitement.”
– Shiva Sankar, Forest
Protection Watcher,
Kothapalli Base Camp
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