Lucknow: Kaushalendra Singh lives in the bustling city of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, and yet much of his time is spent in the quiet woods away from the city. Growing up, he took a keen interest in the wildlife. In the past, people went to forests for hunting, but as the world progressed, the laws governing wildlife also changed. Kaushalendra Singh’s interest in wildlife conservation was inspired by the renowned conservationist Billy Arjan Singh. Today, he dedicates himself entirely to the conservation of tigers and other wildlife. His other passions include wildlife photography, gardening, and bird watching. 

Journey from a hunter to a conservationist 

In the year 1957, Kaushalendra Singh visited the Dudhwa National Park, situated in northern Uttar Pradesh, along with his father. In his childhood, he often watched his elders engaging in hunting activities. Over time his interests evolved from hunting animals to preserving wildlife. He took an interest in addressing issues such as deforestation and animal extinction. He often raises his voices to draw attention to these issues to alert the authorities. He also raises awareness among the public by offering suggestions for addressing these challenges. 

Inspiration from Billy Arjan Singh

Billy Arjan Singh, the founder of Dudhwa National Park, and the pioneer of tiger and leopard rehabilitation programmes, was closely associated with Kaushalendra Singh’s family, and he frequently visited their home. Kaushalendra found inspiration in Billy Arjan Singh’s dedicated work in the field of wildlife conservation. The two often discussed extensively on various issues related to wildlife. 

Reforming laws

Kaushalendra Singh witnessed the frequent deaths of wild animals such as deer, tigers, elephants, leopards, and bears due to the trains passing through Dudhwa National Park. To prevent these accidents, he advocated for the removal of train tracks passing through the park. In the seventies, forest laws changed, and hunting permits could not longer be received. This government law deepened his interest in wildlife conservation. Additionally, he also made significant contributions to the restoration of Chhanga Nala and Bhavi Tal in Dudhwa National Park. 

The importance of protecting wildlife

It is not uncommon to read news about wild animals entering the villages and cities, causing threat to human lives. Kaushalendra Singh addressed the human-wildlife conflict by advocating for the installation of fencing around the villages as a necessary measure. He continues to raise awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife for a balanced eco-system.