Speaking to The Statesman, Project Tiger deputy director Mr Ganga Singh said: “We have received proposals for nine more tiger reserves. The paperwork is nearly complete. The government only needs to define the boundaries of the reserves better.” Absence of bona fide boundaries is the reason behind rampant poaching and security is an issue that concerns planners, Mr Singh said. Project Tiger officials have proposed the reserves be divided into “core” and “buffer” zones.

“The core area will be a 100 per cent tiger area. No human being will be allowed to reside in or enter this territory. A high-security buffer area will be fringing the core acting as a ‘shock absorber’ in case of poaching attempts,” Mr Singh said. Mr Singh listed the reasons behind the rise in tiger poaching. “People residing in the vicinity of the jungle sneak into the reserves and escape unpunished when they plead ignorance of boundaries. This is because the boundaries are not delineated. Lack of adequate security has also contributed to the menace,” he said.

Mr Pramod Krishnan, joint director, wildlife preservation, ministry of environment and forests, said: “We have obtained the principal approval. Previously, Project Tiger was a scheme but now it has become an ‘authority’. A major emphasis is being placed on building up reserves that will subsequently help in increasing the country’s tiger population.”