This is really sad state of affairs in our premier tiger reserve. I just returned from a "wildlife pilgrimage" where I could sit down at the spot where Jim Corbett had shot the famous maneating leopard of Rudraprayag. Trying to climb the hills with my equipment I was short of breath. Today the forests are gone, then hills are denuded. Where Jim Corbett used to place each step with utmost care, lest the maneater wins the bet, today I trudge along with only thought of walking those steep inclines. It gave me a perspective of what we have lost.

The few places which still have wildlife left - like the Corbett Tiger Reserve where Jim Corbett had earlier exhorted his villagers not to kill animals - may soon be bereft of any wildlife. It would be a sad day indeed. The omen is not good. I will certainly write a letter on behalf of all of us in IndiaWilds and request the urgent intervention of the Hon'ble CM.