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Experts disappointed with Amitabh Bachchan stealing the show at a tiger conservation event

Big B also released a book containing pictures of all the 35 leopards in SGNP. The images were taken using camera traps during a year long study. Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said both the Forest and Environment Ministry will work together in close co-ordination for the cause.

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Actor Amitabh Bachchan attends the Wildlife Week celebrations at SGNP in Borivli on Tuesday
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In his first speech as Tiger Ambassador for Maharashtra, Amitabh Bachchan on Tuesday promised that he was ready to do everything to help the cause. The veteran actor was speaking at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) during a Wildlife Week function. Several conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts present, however, were left disappointed, as the event seemed to be more a platform for the politicians to shower praises on the mega star rather than to reveal a road map for tiger conservation.

In fact, Bachchan himself seemed a little embarrassed with the heaps of praises, even as he said he was delighted about the opportunity given to him to serve as the Tiger Ambassador. "I was told that Maharashtra has the largest number of tigers and I dedicate myself for their conservation. I am ready to use my voice or face for any campaign by the Forest department to help conserve the tigers," he said.

Speaking about the beautiful SGNP, he said, "I moved around the park and was delighted to see the place. I was also unhappy, as this is the first time in over four decades of my stay in Mumbai that I explored this place of wonders. How many such cities in the world can boast of a thriving national park in its middle. It is the responsibility and duty of every Mumbaikar to save it."

He also recited a few lines from his late father Harivansh Rai Bachchan's famous poem Agneepath and applauded the Forest department for outstanding work. "These people work in difficult terrains and conditions. They are away in deep forests, sometimes spending years without basic facilities. This is their contribution to the nation, and we should be proud of them," he said.

Big B also released a book containing pictures of all the 35 leopards in SGNP. The images were taken using camera traps during a year long study. Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said both the Forest and Environment Ministry will work together in close co-ordination for the cause.

Meanwhile, Stalin D, Project Director of NGO Vanashakti, said, "I was very disappointed at the event as the ministers were busy praising Bachchan and there was no mention of any plans. There was no talk of conservation, or of Mumbai's very own Flamingo Sanctuary."

Krishna Tiwari, who has researched on leopards of Mumbai, said, "Its great that the Forest ministry managed to get such an iconic face as its brand ambassador. But we would have loved to hear the ministers tell us about their plan of action. It is the Wildlife Week, and we were expecting more than a thanksgiving speech for Bachchan."

A well known naturalist present at the function said, "Several children were attending the function but there was no message for them to take home. It's not everyday that the Forest minister and wildlife officials address the common public. I guess it was more of a function to thank Bachchan."

The naturalists and environmentalists also raised questions about allowing a function where sound was amplified using speakers in a forest area, that too post sunset. "It was a wrong precedent to set. The function should have ended before sunset. Playing of drums when the ministers and Bachchan arrived should have been avoided," said a naturalist.

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