Surplus... insane imagination

While the country is still waking up to the fact of dwindling number of Tigers, it so happened that the Times of India published the news "Now, more tigers a problem?" featuring one of the most successful Tiger reserves in India, The Corbett National Park.

Located in a realm that I would consider my own, the place is always in my mind. And now the news boasts of an immense population of Tigers in the Park, numbered at 162. There have been some recent and frequent conflicts between people and the Tigers of this Park. But considering that as a sign of overpopulation of Tigers is outright lunacy. The story, aptly, attributes the reason as rapid commercialization of the area.

But as it usually happens in this land, the authorities are quick to reach conclusions. A land where the gullible masses limit themselves to headlines. In a country of politicians, who are just that and their problem solving abilities are limited to creating ruckus, it is always threatening to even think about what solutions might be devised. I can just hope that the verdict is not passed in consideration to "Human Rights".

Second thoughts: A mere number of 162 is heart warming but not enough. That number does not even match the number of people working in the numerous tourist resorts in the area. Its these tourist resorts that are encroaching the woods. Closing them down is not an option, certainly the people working there have a right to livelihood. The need is to create awareness about coexistence, among those living in close quarters with the carnivore. It does what it is made to do. When we share the land, we need to abide by the laws of that land.

The land suitably belonging to the Tigers, our Tigers...