Jaipur – Dec 11 (ANK) – Governor Haribhau Bagde opened the Jaipur Tiger Festival at Jawahar Kala Kendra on Thursday, urging everyone to join in protecting water, forests, land, and wildlife.
He highlighted Rajasthan’s proud history of heroes and its strong ecological heritage, noting that tiger reserves have been vital in safeguarding forests.
Bagde also mentioned that Rawalpindi gets its name from Bappa Rawal, the fearless Mewar warrior who repelled Mir Qasim from Arabia all the way to Iran. He pointed out that besides its historic valor, Rajasthan houses some of the finest tiger sanctuaries and a deep‑rooted tradition of nature conservation.
During the event, the governor toured a photo exhibition that celebrated individuals who had made significant strides in forest and wildlife protection, offering them congratulations.
While speaking to the audience, he emphasized that ecological balance relies heavily on the survival of tigers.
With growing human populations and shrinking habitats, preserving these apex predators has never been more critical.
Calling the tiger an “umbrella species,” he explained that as long as tigers thrive, forests and other wildlife will be safeguarded, sustaining environmental stability. He added that many forests have survived largely because they were designated as tiger reserves.
He underlined Rajasthan’s distinct identity, noting that the state is known not only for devotion and bravery but also as a leading hub for cow rearing. Rajasthan ranks second nationwide in milk production and boasts a strong tradition of cow worship and the establishment of cow shelters.
Describing the tiger as a magnificent and powerful animal, Bagde remarked that 75 % of the world’s tigers live in India. Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park, Mukundra Tiger Reserve, and Sariska Tiger Reserve are among the country’s best.
The state currently hosts 160 tigers—144 in the wild and 16 in captivity—with Ranthambore alone home to 71 tigers. Bagde stressed that biodiversity conservation, clean water, and soil fertility are closely tied to tiger populations.
He urged that tourism should grow sustainably, avoiding harm to wildlife, and called on people to raise awareness about nature and environmental stewardship.
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