Siliguri marks International Tiger Day with awareness drives

International Tiger Day was observed with enthusiasm across Siliguri on Tuesday, with a series of awareness programmes highlighting the importance of tiger conservation and environmental protection.

State minister Chandrima Bhattacharya attended a special programme held at Tipukhola in Bagdogra, joined by Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad Sabhadhipati, Arun Ghosh, Darjeeling district magistrate Preeti Goyal, and senior forest department officials. The event saw active participation from hundreds of students from local schools, emphasising the involvement of youth in conservation efforts.

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In a parallel event, the North Bengal Wild Animals Park, popularly known as Bengal Safari, organised a vibrant programme at a school in Ektiashal, near Siliguri. Aimed particularly at first-generation learners, the event featured cultural performances based on tiger-themed stories and a colourful parade of students wearing tiger masks to raise awareness.

Speaking at the programme, minister Bhattacharya underlined the urgent need for protecting both the environment and wildlife, especially tigers. “Environmental protection should be enshrined in the Constitution of India,” she asserted.

A Choudhury, a senior official of Bengal Safari and the key organiser of the Ektiashal event, said, “While Bengal Safari plays a major role in promoting tourism in north Bengal, we are equally committed to animal welfare.”

Highlighting the park’s conservation success, he added, “We began our journey with just two tigers. Thanks to a captive breeding programme, we now have 15 tigers. A few have been transferred to other facilities as part of wildlife exchange and conservation efforts.”

The day’s programmes successfully blended awareness, education, and entertainment to drive home the critical message of tiger conservation.