A panel discussion on Tiger Conservation — The Road Ahead held at Victoria Memorial put the spotlight on the need for safeguarding the national animal, securing its habitat and finding solutions to various problems to achieve the bigger goal. Biswajit Roy Chowdhury, member of West Bengal Wildlife Board and secretary of Nature Environment and Wildlife Society; Shiladitya Chaudhury, wildlife photographer, communication consultant and restauranteur; Riingo Banerjee, film director; and Shivaji Bhattacharya, deputy director, Animal Resources Development Department, Govt of West Bengal, sat together for an engaging discussion a day before International Tiger Day (July 29). They also flagged off a tiger-themed taxi that was on display at the premises of Victoria Memorial on July 28 and 29. For a week, post its display at the iconic address, the taxi ran across the city creating awareness about tiger conservation with the message ‘Don’t strike off the stripes. Save the tigers!
The discussion started off with a simple question — ‘Why do we require tiger conservation?’ Sharing his insights, Roy Chowdhury emphasised the importance of tigers in sustaining the natural ecosystem. He said, “In the absence of a tiger from the food pyramid, the population of herbivores will go up and they will destroy the vegetation of the forest. So, if there are no tigers then there will be no forest.” He also emphasised the need to secure their habitat and why it’s not wise to include them in the North Bengal terrain at the moment.
The discussion then shifted towards the Sunderbans and the mangrove forest and why it’s necessary to conserve it. Shiladitya made all note that Calcutta survived four cyclones because of the buffer that the Sunderbans offer. He also informed of a new project that he is going to start soon, engaging the local population and fashion designers.
The tiger-themed taxi being flagged off in front of Victoria Memorial
Filmmaker Riingo, whose upcoming web series Pilkunj brings to the fore an interesting story related to death due to tiger attacks in a village in North India, added to the discussion with his experience as a director.
The subject of animal-human conflict, something that has been bothering conservationists globally, was also part of the discussion and throwing more light on it, Roy Chowdhury said, “It’s a difficult situation as the population is increasing and if it’s not controlled it will disturb the harmony and the ecosystem.” He also urged for controlled tourism. Pitching in, Shiladitya vehemently opposed the idea of taking selfies inside the reserve. Moving on, Shivaji Bhattacharya raised the important question of stopping water pollution in the Sunderbans and salinity in the water.