Pench Tiger Reserve now has a new landmark at its Khawasa gate. It’s the world’s largest tiger statue, and it’s made entirely from scrap metal. Local artists built it with help from forest staff. What was once thrown away metal is now a symbol that greets everyone entering the reserve.
How It Was Built
The idea for the statue took shape earlier in the year when forest officials and local artists wanted a project that connected art and conservation. Work on the structure began soon after the concept was approved. Scrap metal was collected from different places, sorted, and prepared for use.
Local artists led by Rishabh Kashyap crafted each part with care. Forest staff supported the project at every stage. The goal was to create a landmark that showed the bond between people and the forest.
After months of work, the statue was completed and inaugurated on the 12th of November by the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr Mohan Yadav. The day marked an important moment for Pench, as this new structure became a symbol of creativity and conservation working together.
Size and Structure
The tiger stands 17.5 feet tall and stretches 40 feet long. It has a calm but strong presence. When you get close, you can see how each metal piece was carefully placed to form the face, body, and posture. The artists used basic scrap metal to build something that looks real and full of life.
Why This Statue Was Made
The team had clear reasons for building this statue:
- Honor the tiger as the symbol of India’s wildlife
- Show how scrap can become meaningful art
- Involve local communities in a project focused on nature
- Encourage visitors to support conservation through small actions
- Create a landmark that reflects what Pench stands for
The statue reminds people that protecting nature is everyone’s responsibility. Even waste can become something powerful when people work together.
Mission LiFE and the 3Rs
Mission LiFE is a movement that asks people to make daily choices that help the environment. It focuses on simple habits that cut waste and save resources.
The 3Rs are the core of this idea:
- Reduce – use only what you need
- Reuse – give items a second life
- Recycle – turn old material into something useful
This tiger statue is a clear example of these values. Scrap metal with no use was collected and turned into a conservation symbol. It shows how responsible choices can lead to something meaningful.
The Previous Record Holder
Before this statue was unveiled, the largest known tiger statue was in Gainesville, Georgia in the United States. It’s a bronze sculpture called Lucile, made for Brenau University. The statue was installed in 2013 and represents the university’s Golden Tiger mascot.
Lucile is much smaller:
- Eight feet tall
- Fourteen feet long
- Just over one ton in weight
Lucile held the record for years. Now Pench holds the title for the world’s largest tiger statue made from scrap metal.
What This Statue Represents
The sculpture is more than just metal. It represents respect for the tiger, which is the face of India’s wild forests. It also sends a message about responsible tourism. The scrap used shows how waste can become something valuable. It reminds every visitor that nature can recover when people work with care.
For wildlife lovers, it’s a reminder that saving forests isn’t just the job of officials. All of us can take part through small, simple actions.
Why You Should Visit
The tiger stands at Khawasa gate, one of the main entry points to Pench Tiger Reserve. Most visitors pass this point during their safari trips. The statue has become a popular stop for photos and a quick break before entering the forest.
Reasons to stop here:
- Good photo spot
- Shows the work of local artists
- Sets the tone for your safari
- Connects art with wildlife in a simple way
This statue shows how a single idea can grow when people support it. Small actions add up to create something that lasts. The forest works the same way. When visitors, communities, and forest teams work with respect, tigers continue to live free in these woods.
