I agree that wildlife being a state subject does more harm than good. For example, the Gujarat Govt. doesn't allow translocation of lions to create an alternate sanctuary in Kumo in Madhya Pradesh. Lions are seen as Gujarat's pride. It is not understood that one one devastating calamity like rhinderpest or earthquake, flood etc can just wipe out the entire population of lions. We don't seem to be learning from examples from Serengetti or other places that have faced such calamities in the past.

When they started the Project Tiger, the reserves should have been directly brought under the control of centre. Earlier, the forests were seen as a source of revenue from logging operations. When there is a complete halt to logging, I don't understand why the individual states should say no to the transfer of these reserves to the centre. Ofcourse, any revenue accruing from tourism can be shared. A mechanism can always be worked out.

It requires a strong will and strong leadership. I am afraid, I can't see both of these anywhere.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi