LUCKNOW, July 29 -- Uttar Pradesh has seen a steady rise in its tiger population-from 173 in 2018 to 222 in 2022, a state government statement on Monday read, on the eve of International Tiger Day. Among several initiatives the 'Bagh Mitra' initiative, launched in 2019 and expanded via a mobile app in 2023, has been instrumental in reducing human-wildlife conflict and has earned praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, read the statement. According to principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), Uttar Pradesh, Anuradha Vemuri, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve leads with 135 tigers (up from 68 in 2014 and 82 in 2018), followed by Pilibhit with 63, Amangarh with 20, and Ranipur with 4 tigers. On the occasion of International Tiger Day, several events will be held across the state, including a Walkathon at Lucknow Zoo. "The programme has been designed to raise awareness about the tiger and to bring people close to nature. The focus is primarily upon children and youth," said Aditi Sharma, director of the zoo....