A massive tiger sculpture built entirely from discarded iron material has become the latest attraction at Pench Tiger Reserve’s Khwasa tourism complex. The installation, created under the Mission LIFE framework that promotes Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, is being positioned as the largest tiger sculpture of its kind anywhere in the world.
The structure stands 17 ft 6 inches tall, stretches 40 ft in length and is 8 ft wide. According to data referenced by Pench authorities from the World Record Academy, the earlier largest tiger installation — located in Georgia, USA — measured only 8 ft in height and 14 ft in length.
Pench officials said the new sculpture surpasses that figure by a significant margin, giving the reserve a globally recognisable visual landmark.
The artwork was conceptualised and executed by a team of Seoni-based artists led by Rishabh Kashyap.
The group spent nearly 200 days assembling the giant form using scrap sourced from local households, workshops and defunct machinery. Old bicycles, rusted pipes, weathered metal sheets and other leftover iron components were brought together piece by piece to form the tiger’s body, limbs and distinctive stripes.
Project managers said the idea emerged from local interest in creating a Made in India symbol that reflects both the spirit of conservation and the practical value of recycling.
The team studied various forms of scrap-metal art and then adapted the concept to align with Pench’s identity as one of India’s most prominent tiger landscapes. The final design was shaped with attention to anatomical accuracy while keeping the rough, industrial texture intact to highlight the recycled material.
Pench Tiger Reserve Deputy Director Rajneesh Singh told The Pioneer that the sculpture is meant to operate as more than a tourist photo point. It is intended to serve as a tangible reminder of how scrap can be transformed into useful and visually striking creations, reinforcing public engagement with Mission LIFE. The model also represents a collaborative effort between the reserve staff, local artists and community members who contributed material, labour and support during the assembly phase.
The installation has been placed prominently within the Khwasa complex, where it will be used for environmental education sessions, awareness campaigns and visitor interaction programmes. Pench authorities believe the sculpture will help build stronger connections with travellers, especially families and school groups, while also broadening the reserve’s profile in national and international tourism circuits.
The sculpture strengthens Pench’s brand identity and delivers a clear sustainability signal. Its scale, visual appeal and community involvement position it as a strategic asset for visitor engagement.
The project’s long-term value will depend on proper upkeep, structured messaging for tourists and integration into broader conservation outreach at the reserve.