PM Modi Releases ₹50 Coin to Mark 50 Years of Project Tiger

The Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released the ₹50 commemorative coin to mark the 50 years of Project Tiger during the inauguration of the programme ‘Commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger’ on April 9, 2023, organised at Karnataka State Open University, Mysuru.

The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav and Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey were present on the occasion among others.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister highlighted the remarkable success of Project Tiger, now completing 50 years, noting that India is home to 75% of the world’s tiger population. He emphasized that the growth in tiger numbers is due to India’s deep cultural respect for wildlife, biodiversity, and coexistence of ecology and economy. He recalled the tiger’s significance in Indian history, art, religion, and folklore, reflecting the country’s enduring conservation ethos.

The Prime Minister highlighted India’s achievements in wildlife protection: 2.4% of the world’s land contributing to 8% of global biodiversity, and India being the largest habitat for tigers, Asiatic elephants, and rhinos, as well as the only home to Asiatic lions. Forest cover, wetlands, national parks, sanctuaries, and community reserves have all expanded significantly over the past decade, aided by public participation.

He shared lessons from Gujarat’s wildlife initiatives, including the Gir Lion program and community involvement, stressing the need for local engagement, tourism, and economic incentives to protect wildlife. The Prime Minister noted Project Tiger’s broader impact: reducing human-animal conflict, promoting eco-tourism, and raising awareness.

He also highlighted the reintroduction of cheetahs to India, born in Kuno National Park after decades of extinction, stressing international cooperation through initiatives like the International Big Cat Alliance for conserving the world’s seven big cats.

Concluding, the Prime Minister linked India’s G20 motto, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’ to global environmental responsibility and urged all nations to adopt sustainable practices inspired by India’s tribal traditions and culture, emphasizing the balance of humans with nature.

The commemorative coin is minted by India Government Mint, Hyderabad. This coin became first commemorative coin featuring 'Tiger' with a wildlife theme in the history of Republic India coinage.