12-hour Tiger Conservation campaign raises Rs 4.86 cr

NDTV in association with Aircel has raised Rs 4.86 crore via The Telethon, 12-hour non-stop tiger conservation campaign telecast on its network channels, the channel said in a press relase issued on December 13.

The programme consisted of nationwide ground level activities involving school children and youth, celebrity chats, interaction with viewers, performances and live reports urging Chief Ministers to show their solidarity and act toward the cause.

Campaign ambassador Amitabh Bachchan along with Dr Prannoy Roy, Chairman, NDTV and Vikram Chandra discussed tiger conservation issues and monitored events across the country from the central hub at Pench, Tiger Reserve from 11am to 11pm on Sunday 12th December.

Bachchan donated Rs 28 lakh and also auctioned his watch and two pairs of designer glasses, which raised another Rs 8.45 lakh.

“The donations would be of immense help in providing the infrastructure required for consistent operations and activities in tiger conservation.” Bachchan said.

Donors also included Abhishek Bachchan, BJP President Nitin Gadkari, Congress MP Priya Dutt, football player Bhaichung Bhutia and Soli Sorabjee. Industry body CII and Westside also contributed.
 
According to Anish Andheria, Director , Wildlife Conservation Trust,  the funds raised in this telethon are  sufficient to create and deploy 35 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) and cover all the Tiger Reserves across the country.
 
Young participants came forward in competitions like elocution, poetry recitation, animal mimicry, music and skits at the two satellite hubs of Ranthambore and Kabini.

According to Dr Roy, Tigerthon achieved three aims to raise awareness, initiate action on the ground and get Chief Ministers to pledge support and the full-day Tiger Conclave by CII.

Gurdeep Singh, COO, Aircel added, “Aircel's support to the cause is long term and we will continue to build on our efforts to save our tigers.”

People from various age groups participated in the Tiger Stamp competition at the India Gate lawns. Live band performances and puppet shows in Delhi and Mumbai concluded the campaign.