Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai and discussed tiger conservation measures in the Eastern Ghats. Pawan Kalyan, who was in Delhi for a medical check-up, met Fadnavis at his official residence.
According to a statement from the Deputy Chief Minister’s office here, the two leaders had productive discussions regarding tiger conservation in the Eastern Ghats. Pawan Kalyan, who is also minister for forests and environment, thanked Fadnavis for Maharashtra's support in facilitating the translocation of two female tigers to Andhra Pradesh.
The Deputy CM stated that this generous gesture marks an important milestone in the efforts to restore a thriving tiger population in the Eastern Ghats. “The introduction of female tigers will help overcome the challenges of inbreeding, enhance genetic diversity, strengthen the long-term viability of the population, and contribute to a healthy, self-sustaining tiger landscape.
This collaborative conservation effort reflects our shared commitment to protecting biodiversity through science-based and sustainable wildlife management,” he said. According to him, a significant decline in the female tiger population within the Eastern Ghats region of Andhra Pradesh led to genetic issues.
“To address this and revive the tiger population, we are seeking the cooperation of the Maharashtra government. Maharashtra has agreed to provide two female tigers to Andhra Pradesh, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for their support.” Pawan Kalyan exuded confidence that the partnership between Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra will contribute significantly to the long-term conservation of tigers in the Eastern Ghats.
The Jana Sena leader also thanked Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, for his constant guidance in taking this initiative forward. “We will continue to move ahead with greater coordination alongside the Maharashtra government, the Central government, and other partner organisations to achieve our goals of wildlife and biodiversity conservation."