While addressing the nation on his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said there have been rise in the number of leopards in India and it is a big achievement for the country.
Reportedly, in the 72nd edition of his monthly radio programme and the last episode of the year 2020, PM Modi said the number of leopards in India has risen by more than 60 per cent between 2014 and 2018.
Stating on the same Modi continued, “In 2014, the number of leopards in the country was about 7,900, whereas in 2019 it increased to 12,852. These are the very leopards about which Jim Corbett had said: ‘Those who have not seen a leopard wandering free in nature, cannot imagine its beauty…. cannot visualise the beauty of its colours and the charm of its gait’.”
“In most parts of the country, especially central India, the number of leopards has risen. Amongst the states with the maximum population of leopards Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra are topmost in the order. This is a big achievement for year,” cited PM.
The Prime Minister said that leopards across the world have been facing dangers and their habitat has faced loss in the entire world.
“In such circumstances, the continued growth of the population of leopards in India has shown a way to the entire world,” he said.
The population of both lions and tigers increased in India, suggest the latest report.
“There has been an increase in India’s forest area, the reason for this is that not only the government but also many people, civil society, many institutions too are engaged in conserving our trees and plants and wild animals. They all deserve accolades,” Modi concluded.
