Makings of a role model

He is a seasoned wildlife conservationist in addition to being the descendent of prime minister of Hyderabad’s Nizam, Sir Vicarul Umara. Former cricketer Saad Bin Jung shares how Telangana can be a role model in wildlife conservation for India

Wildlife conservationist, the scion of Hyderabad’s Paigah family and the great grandson of Sir Vicarul Umara – the Knight Commander of Indian Empire who served as the Prime Minister of Hyderabad (1893-1901) and also built the Falaknuma Palace, the grandson of Hyderabad’s former Prime Minister Nawab Waliud Dowla Bahadur and maternal nephew of Bhopal’s Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Saad Bin Jung talks about the current state of wildlife conservation in India and how Telangana can be a role model for the nation.

Right now, there are no conservation laws in India and the state could lead the way with its effort, says Saad Bin Jung, whose penchant for wildlife reflects in his endeavours to squarely conserve and not merely protect wildlife. When asked about using his immense wildlife experience to promote State’s wildlife conservation and protection activities, Saad says, referring to how the tribal people and local villagers have helped his efforts to conserve wildlife in the forest of Karnataka,

“The government must take the initiative and not depend on the people to kick-start the change. You and I would change (to conserve), the villagers have changed, but the government does not.”However, his hope in the state’s ruling government is apparent when he says,

“If somebody has to do it, it is only this (Telangana State’s) Chief Minister. This is the only CM who will even understand or accept the fact that for the last 70 years governments have been totally wrong as far conservation laws are concerned.” He adds “India doesn’t have a conservation law. It is so embarrassing. When I go to Africa and discuss with my friends, I tell them “Sorry we don’t have any conservation laws.”

On the contrary, the country has protection laws, most of which were enacted in the 18th century, and also the Wildlife Protection Law enacted in 1972. “We have a very draconian and very horrid protection law,” he says. “Conservation law loves you, tells you and takes you along. I realised India was really going down the wrong line and decided I will dedicate the rest of my life to fight for it,” he maintains.

“The government has to wonder. Unfortunately, I could not work in Andhra or Telangana because of Naxalites. We have spent 30-35 years, we know more than any forest officer or any tourism officer. We know the world markets and we can easily position Telangana on the world map of eco-tourism,” he exclaims.

According to Saad Jung, to lead the race, the government needs to imbibe the best of professional talent in wildlife conservation even if it has to “Go out to bring them (experts) back to the country.” He is reluctant to approach the government himself but doesn’t hesitate to say “I will make time for Telangana as it is my homeland. I f the government desires, I will answer the calling.”

When asked about collaborating with NGOs to take his “jung” forward, he says, “NGOs as a general rule are a failure in India, as they (gradually) become corrupt except a few who are working with moralities that are required. When NGOs are formed, they need money and the employees must be on very good salary. Only if employees get enough money, they will stop stealing money from the NGOs. This concept isn’t there in India yet.”

Today, the only tool that helps you get a dialogue with the local and the others is eco-tourism. Once you start conserving the forests (that are now said to be free Naxalities), tigers will come back in 6-7 years, he says.“If the government is serious about it and really does some thinking, Telangana can be a world leader,” he concludes.

Saad Bin Jung was once a strong contender for National Cricket team tempted limelight when he scored a century for South Zone against West Indies team without even having played international cricket. He is currently managing “The Bison” Kabini Wildlife Resort, one of the only three from the world to be featured by the BBC. His penchant for wildlife is not just shared by his wife Sangeeta but also runs in the bloodline with son Ali Shaaz Jung mastering wildlife photography and daughter Zoha Jung helping her dad.