Big B, Maha minister flag off tiger conservation rally

Mumbai, Oct 24: Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan and Maharashtra Finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar today flagged off a bike rally, covering four out of the six tiger reserves in the state, in support of the government's 'Save Tiger' campaign.

"Through this bike rally, the government wants to promote the concept of Tiger Conservation among people and make them realise the important role these animals play in the food chain.

The group of bikers will also instill among people our plans to enhance the number of tigers in Maharashtra and seek their assistance in doing so," Mungantiwar said on sidelines of flagging off the rally at Bachchan's office 'Janak' in suburban Juhu at 7 AM.

He further said the seven-day rally that will pass through Melghat, Pench, Navegaon-Nagzira and Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserves will also promote eco-tourism and thereby help in generating employment in the long run.

There are 23 bikers of group 'Riding Knights', who work in corporate sector, who will be taking part in the rally. The participants will also take feedback from villagers on the kind of development they want for these reserves and areas surrounding them, Mungantiwar said.

"These bikers who all hold executive positions in the corporate sector had themselves approached us and told us they have heard about our mission of tiger conservation and that they want to contribute towards the good work being done by the Forest department," Mungantiwar said.

As per as 2014 census, Maharashtra is home to 190 tigers. The state has recorded a steady rise in tiger count - from 103 in 2006 to 169 in 2010 and 190 in 2014.

PTI