India refused the World Bank aid for the tiger conservation programme according to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. National Tiger Conservation Authority, chaired by Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh held a meet on Wednesday where the decision was taken.

“Personally, I was very keen that the World Bank should help us in providing funds, at least for ensuring livelihood for villagers living on the fringes of the tiger reserves, so that they do not try to return to their original habitat. However, because of reservations of wildlife experts and officials, I have shunned the plans,” said Jairam Ramesh.

Mr. Ramesh did not explain the reasons for not accepting the aid however many cited the World Bank’s eco-projects in protected areas as the reason. Some tiger conservationists accuse the World Bank of investing money in projects that harmed wildlife in the country.

A senior official said that the government has enough resources for the conservation and past bad experience with the world organization makes it better if it is not involved in the project.

P. K. Sen, conservationist and former director of Project Tiger expressed his anger and said “Why do we need the help of the Bank, which has ripped apart our natural resources by supporting projects for dams and mining at the cost of conservation.”