Chief Conservator of Forests (Rohilkhand) PP Singh said the incidents of human-wildlife conflict have significantly decreased due to an active involvement of local communities (File)The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday claimed a steady rise in tiger population in the state — from 173 in 2018 to 222 in 2022 — due to focused efforts on conservation through better habitat management, modern patrolling and community involvement.Announcing to hold various events to mark International Tiger Day on Tuesday, the government said its ‘Bagh Mitra’ initiative launched in 2019 and which was expanded via a mobile app in 2023, was instrumental in reducing human-wildlife conflicts.Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Anuradha Vemuri said the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve leads with 135 tigers (up from 68 in 2014 and 82 in 2018), followed by Pilibhit with 63, Amangarh with 20 and Ranipur with four tigers.There has been extensive patrolling under the M-Stripes system, with forest staff covering over 1.5 lakh-km monthly across Dudhwa and its landscape using various modes — vehicles, boats, elephants, bicycles, and foot patrols. In Katarniaghat alone, about 41,684 km is patrolled each month.Chief Conservator of Forests (Rohilkhand) PP Singh said the incidents of human-wildlife conflict have significantly decreased due to an active involvement of local communities.At least 120 villagers, including youth, elders, and women, have been trained and enrolled as ‘Bagh Mitras’ in Pilibhit. They report animal sightings through WhatsApp and the official app, allowing the forest department to respond swiftly. The app also allows for photo uploads, aiding accurate species identification and real-time location tracking.On the occasion of International Tiger Day, several events are being held across the state, including a “walkathon” at the Lucknow Zoo in which Forest Minister (Independent Charge) Arun Kumar Saxena and senior forest officials are participating. Also, awareness programmes are being held in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd