Sobhandeb inaugurates 'Wild Tiger Photography Competition cum Exhibition'

Kolkata: State Power minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay on Saturday inaugurated a "Wild Tiger Photography Competition cum Exhibition" at Gaganendra Pradarshanshala at the premises of Nandan. The three-day event was organised by an NGO that works for wildlife conservation to mark the occasion of World Tiger Day (July 29).

"The census often does not correctly reflect the count of tigers. The location of our forests is such, that often tigers travel to the neighbouring states and country like Bangladesh across the border. These NGO's and wildlife enthusiasts work at the ground level for tiger conservation and educate the villagers living near the forests, stating not to kill the wild animals. They have been doing good work in collaboration with the state Forest department," Chattopadhyay said.

Referring to the incidents of tiger straying, the minister said loss in forest cover for urbanization is leading animals like tiger to sneak into localities.

He also stressed on the need to spread awareness among the tribals in the state to not indulge in the killing of the animals for sport.

"The government in association with the NGOs are working towards awareness and at the same time, taking steps for the upliftment of the economic condition of the tribals," he added. Photographs of 80 wildlife photographers were displayed at the exhibition.