Govt clears setting up of International Big Cat Alliance

NEW DELHI: Union Cabinet on Thursday gave its nod for establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a coalition of mainly 96 big cat range countries, with headquarters in India and one-time budgetary support of Rs 150 crore for a period of five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28.It will serve as a common platform and a centralised repository of successful practices for conservation of seven big cats namely tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma.Modi: Major step towards saving big cats, habitats Five of these – tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard and cheetah – are found in India. The alliance was launched by PM Modi at an event commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger in India in April last year for conservation of seven big cats. PM Modi said on X: “Cabinet decision on the establishment of the IBCA, headquartered in India, marks a major step towards conserving our majestic big cats and their habitats, and also reinforcing India’s leadership in global biodiversity conservation.””The move reflects Prime Minister Modi’s commitment towards conservation of wildlife, particularly tigers and other endangered big cats,” said environment minister Bhupender Yadav.