Conservation

I am associated with Tiger Watch (an N.G.O) since the last few years. Tiger Watch's main aim is to save the Indian Tiger and we work for Ranthambhore National Park. Tourists from all over the world throng to Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan to view the wildlife, flora, fauna and the majestic tiger.

But this once famous and safe home for tigers of India is fast losing its status due to poaching. A majority of the poachers belong to the Mogyas, a nomadic tribe belonging to Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh. In 2006-07,  our field biologist Dr. Dharmendra traced and located several poachers belonging to the nomadic Mongya tribe. With the help of the local police, some of them have been arrested and court cases are going on.

Apart from bringing them to justice, we are trying to rehabilitate and bring up the living standards of the Mogyas residing around the Park.  Our aim is to setup a community centre offering various avenues for alternate and enhanced lifestyle of this tribe and members of other under privileged communities and making them aware of the conservation problem. This is the first time in our country that such a difficult task has been set up and is the first step towards a possible solution. 

During my trip to Ranthambhore in February 2007 we visited a place where three Mogya families stay and whose women have started making woven gift articles. We also met up with two ex-poachers.  

Tiger Watch also recognised the efforts of Mr. Kala who assisted us in identifying and arresting the poachers.