Accepting the proposal by the Maharashtra State government to work for Tiger conservation, Indian film superstar Amitabh Bachchan on Monday agreed to represent the State as its Tiger Ambassador.
In a letter written to the State's Forest Minister Sudhir Munguntiwar, Mr. Bachchan wrote, "I wish to accept your kind offer to render my services towards the State Government's initiative for Tiger Conservation."
On August 4, Maharashtra Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar had written letters to Mr. Bachchan and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar inviting them to be the Tiger Ambassadors and creating awareness regarding conversation and protection of the endangered species as well as boost tiger tourism.
“Time has come where tiger conservation should become a peoples’ movement. This is one issue where I seek your personal help and that is a request to you to represent the State as its Tiger Ambassador,” Mr. Mungantiwar wrote to Mr. Bachchan.
Maharashtra has six tiger reserves including Melghat Tiger Reserve in Amravati, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Mungantiwar’s home district of Chandrapur, Pench and Nagzira-Navegan Tiger Reserves near Nagpur, Sahyadri sanctuary which includes CHandoli National Par and Koyna Sanctuary and Bor tiger reserve in Wardha district.
The tiger population in the state has increased from 103 in 2006 to 169 in 2010, according to the tiger census. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve has been extremely popular with tourists due to the increased frequency of tiger sightings.
