Gandhinagar, Jan 23 (NationPress) Gujarat's Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia announced on Friday that the state government is intensifying efforts towards tiger conservation following the sighting of a tiger in the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounding regions during the recent wildlife population census.

He characterized this occurrence as a source of pride for Gujarat, stating that a detailed strategy has been formulated to guarantee the animal's long-term safety, secure its habitat, and promote population growth.

During a press conference post a meeting of the Gujarat State Wildlife Board led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Minister Modhwadia reaffirmed the state's commitment to wildlife conservation and ecological stability.

"The Forest Department is thoroughly equipped for the conservation and safeguarding of the tiger, with a distinct focus on its protection, food sources, and adequate habitat," he mentioned.

He indicated that the State Forest Department is in ongoing collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and will stringently adhere to all guidelines and measures proposed by this governing body moving forward.

"In addition to protection, we are prioritizing the enhancement of the prey base and improving habitat conditions to ensure a favorable environment for the tiger's permanent residence," Minister Modhwadia elaborated.

As part of the conservation initiative, he emphasized the importance of community involvement.

"With the participation of the NTCA, training sessions on tiger conservation and care will be organized for local inhabitants near the sanctuary," he stated.

The goal, as per Minister Modhwadia, is to foster awareness and secure cooperation from communities that coexist with wildlife.

The meeting also evaluated the development and safeguarding of other significant wildlife centers in Gujarat, including lion sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries, the Indian wild ass sanctuary, and habitats for sloth bears.

Chief Minister Patel has directed the Forest Department to promote eco-tourism in protected forest regions while ensuring that an increase in tourist activity does not disrupt wildlife. In this context, visitor policy guidelines will be established to manage movement and actions within sensitive zones," the Minister noted.

The board also deliberated on identifying appropriate sanctuary locations in the near future for Gujarat's expanding leopard population, including rescued leopards, to guarantee their safety and minimize human-animal conflicts.

The recent sighting of the tiger in eastern Gujarat has garnered attention as the species had vanished from the state decades ago due to habitat destruction and hunting pressures.

Although Gujarat is globally acknowledged for its successful conservation of Asiatic lions in Gir, tigers historically roamed various parts of the Aravalli and eastern forest belts.

Occasional movements from neighboring states have been noted in recent times, but the latest confirmation in Ratanmahal has rekindled efforts to create an environment that could sustain a permanent tiger presence.