Yogi Adityanath Lauds Modi's Support for 'Baagh Mitr' Initiative Amid Rising Tiger Numbers

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praises Prime Minister Narendra Modi for recognizing the 'Baagh Mitr' programme in Pilibhit district. Established in 2019, the initiative aims to reduce human-tiger conflicts and has seen significant success, resulting in a tripling of the tiger population. Adityanath's recent introduction of the 'Baagh Mitr' app in October 2023 enhances the programme's efficiency.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for acknowledging the 'Baagh Mitr' (friends of tiger) programme, which he believes will boost the morale of its participants.

Adityanath posted on X, saying, 'Honourable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji has made a special mention of the 'Baagh Mitr Karyakram' being run in the Pilibhit district in today's @mannkibaat programme. His appreciation will infuse new enthusiasm and energy in all the 'Baagh Mitrs','

The 'Baagh Mitr' initiative, launched in 2019 under Adityanath's guidance, aims to reduce human-wildlife conflicts. In his 'Mann Ki Baat' address, Modi highlighted the programme's success in training locals to serve as 'Baagh Mitrs,' ensuring minimal conflict between tigers and humans. The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, established in 2014, has seen its tiger population triple from 24 to 72 by 2022 due to such conservation efforts.

In October 2023, Adityanath introduced a 'Baagh Mitr' app in Pilibhit, further enhancing the initiative. Over 120 volunteers, including young people, elderly citizens, and four women, use a WhatsApp group to report wildlife sightings, allowing the Forest Department to respond promptly.

Divisional Forest Officer Manish Singh noted the programme's success in significantly reducing human-wildlife conflicts and emphasized the effectiveness of training locals as 'Baagh Mitr'.