Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Chamrajnagar, Mysuru, on Sunday to mark the completion of 50 years of Project Tiger. He will also release the latest tiger census data.
The Prime Minister landed in Mysuru on Saturday, his eighth visit to poll-bound Karnataka this year. He set out to Bandipur Tiger Reserve around 7 am. The chopper carrying the Prime Minister landed at Melukamanahalli near the Bandipur Tiger Reserve some time later.
According to his iterinary, the Prime Minister will release the tiger census data at 11 am. He will also release the government's vision for tiger conservation during 'Amrit Kaal', and launch the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA). The IBCA will focus on protection and conservation of seven major big cats of the world -- Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar and Cheetah, with membership of the range countries harbouring these species.
During his Bandipur visit, Modi will interact with frontline field staff and self-help groups involved in conservation activities. The Prime Minister will also release a commemorative coin of
Rs 50 and a document on effective management of tiger reserves and conservation.
After Bandipur, Modi will head towards the Theppakadu Elephant camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. The reserve borders Chamarajanagar district but is in the Tamil Nadu state. He will interact with mahouts and 'kavadis' of the elephant camp and meet Bomman and Bellie, the couple in the Oscar Award winning documentary "The Elephant Whisperers".
The Prime Minister will also interact with Field Directors of tiger reserves that have scored highest in the recently concluded 5th cycle of Management Effectiveness Evaluation exercise.
Security tightened, safaris cancelled
Security has been tightened in Mysuru in view of the Prime Minister's visit. While the vehicular movement on the National Highway 181 has been restricted. The curbs will be in force till Sunday afternoon.
The district administration has banned tourists visiting the tiger reserve from April 6 to April 9. All hotels, lodges and homestays around the premises of the tiger reserve have also been barred from taking visitors and tourists in and have been ordered to remain closed till the Prime Minister leaves.
