Date with tigers

With welcome findings pouring in from World Wildlife Fund and the Global Tiger Forum, indicating a boost in global wild tiger tally for the first time in 100 years, wildlife enthusiasts have started to heave a sigh of relief. Add to it the fact that India now has as much as 70 per cent of world''s tiger population, and waves of thrill rush through.

TR Bijulal Photo: Nitin Mittal

Manika Ahuja

With welcome findings pouring in from World Wildlife Fund and the Global Tiger Forum, indicating a boost in global wild tiger tally for the first time in 100 years, wildlife enthusiasts have started to heave a sigh of relief. Add to it the fact that India now has as much as 70 per cent of world's tiger population, and waves of thrill rush through.

But don't be chuffed just yet! "You are overlooking a conspicuous drop in tiger's population over the years. According to the WWF, hundred years ago, there were 1,00,000 wild tigers. By 2010, as few as 3,200 were left. Though news of their current number going up by 690, is a reason to celebrate, one cannot lose sight of the fact that, population explosion and industrial revolution continue to disturb tigers' habitat. Besides, the glaring menace of tiger poaching also needs to be checked," asserts District Forest Officer (DFO), TR Bijulal, who will be seen sharing screen space with Bollywood actor Vijay Raaz, in upcoming movie- Mission Tiger.

When reel meets real

Much in consonance with the popular view that cinema reflects real life, Bijulal notes that Mission Tiger, all set for a release on International Tiger Day (July 29), draws on a real-life incident culled from his personal experience. "During my training days, I came across a piece of news that a poor woman had been killed by a man-eating tiger. I, along with other forest officials, set out on rigorous patrols to chase the big cat. My close encounter prodded me to commend the efforts of forest department officials in saving wildlife, one thing led to another and I knew we needed a movie to raise mass awareness," observes the real life DFO, who will be seen playing himself (a forest official) in the flick.

All for a cause

Pose a question about the film's essence, and pat comes the reply, "It is for a social cause. Tigers help maintaining a healthy balance in the ecosystem." Bijulal ponders for a moment and laments, "Saving them is a collective responsibility that all members of the society need to shoulder."