New Delhi, Jul 29 (PTI) Conservation is not merely about protecting wildlife but also about developing a respectful relationship with nature, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Wednesday.
There is a need to take inspiration from nature and lead a lifestyle dedicated to environmental conservation, the minister said at an event organised by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to mark the Global Tiger Day 2026.
“Nature is not only a source of tourism or entertainment, it also needs to be respected and people must derive peace from it,” said Yadav.
He also highlighted the increase in India’s tiger population (3,682) and tiger reserves (58) under the Modi government.
The number of elephant reserves, national parks, wildlife
sanctuaries, protected areas, community reserves and wetlands has also increased during the last 12 years, he added.
Speaking about the importance of documenting the conservation experience, the minister urged forest officers to write more about wildlife conservation and share their experiences in a manner that can contribute to practical and implementable policy solutions.
“The stories of forests are not bare data, but they include traditional knowledge, emotions, passion towards wildlife conservation and years-long experiences of wildlife officers and conservationists etc,” Yadav said.
At the event, the minister also launched the NTCA eco-tourism webpage, which provides direct links to authentic websites of all tiger reserves for safari and accommodation bookings, making information more accessible while promoting responsible and sustainable nature-based tourism.
The minister released multiple publications — July 2026 edition of NTCA Outreach Journal — STRIPES; Security Audit Report of 24 Tiger Reserves; and a report on habitat suitability assessment for Sloth Bears across Tiger Landscapes in India. PTI ALC DIV DIV
