Tiger population dwindling in MP

Shajapur (MP), Dec 3: An action plan will be chalked out soon for the conservation of tigers in Madhya Pradesh as central agencies have reported that tiger population is dwindling, Forest Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah said.

He told reporters here yesterday that the action plan would be prepared at a review meeting in the state capital on Tuesday.

''Necessary instructions have been provided to the forest guards for the protection of wild animals,'' said the minister.

He claimed that the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest had been directed to ensure availability of foodgrains and water for the protection of national bird peacock.

Population of deer, peacock and other wild animals was on the rise in the state, Mr Shah added.

Meanwhile, Mr Shah said a campaign would be launched to increase the forest area in the state by creating awareness among the people about planting more saplings.

Dwindling forest area and increasing human population had caused environmental imbalance along with fuel shortage in rural areas, he said, adding the government was encouraging use of pressure cookers in areas adjoining forest by providing fifty percent subsidy for its purchase. UNI