Promote Wildlife Tourism in State: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that sustained conservation efforts have led to an increase in wildlife populations across the state. He emphasised in this context the need to promote human–wildlife coexistence by creating public awareness and educating citizens about necessary precautions. He directed the Forest Department to coordinate with the Tourism Department to actively promote wildlife tourism in Madhya Pradesh.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also called for expanding the ‘Anubhuti’ program, which introduces school students to forests and wildlife, and for involving more schools in the initiative. He issued these directions during the 31st meeting of the Madhya Pradesh State Wildlife Board held at Mantralaya.

Minister of State for Forest Shri Dilip Ahirwar, Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary Shri Ashok Barnwal, Principal Secretary (Forest) Shri Sandeep Yadav, senior forest officials and Board members were present.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh is providing wildlife to other states and urged reciprocal exchanges to further enrich biodiversity. He also called for adopting best practices and innovations in wildlife management from other states. The Chief Minister emphasised the need to involve universities and institutions in advancing research on forests and wildlife. He further directed that proper conservation arrangements be ensured for archaeological heritage sites located in forest areas and suggested organising joint workshops involving the Forest Department, Archaeology Department and related institutions.

Considering the increasing elephant population in the state, discussions were held on developing tourism activities focused on elephants. Shri Vijay Manohar Tiwari, the Kulguru of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication, proposed article-writing initiatives by the university on elephant management.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed that at least two individuals in every Gram Panchayat be trained in safe snake handling and in providing preliminary assistance to victims to reduce fatalities from snakebite incidents. He also emphasised the need for awareness campaigns on snake-related precautions. He further instructed that indigenous dog breeds be included in the Dog Squad.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was informed about significant achievements in wildlife conservation and management. He was informed regarding the Successful reintroduction of 846 blackbucks and 67 nilgai in Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve and Kuno National Park. He was informed about the release of six crocodiles from ‘Van Vihar’ National Park into their natural habitat in the Omkareshwar region. Transfer of one tigress from Pench Tiger Reserve to Ram Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan. Under the wildlife exchange program, 50 wild buffaloes from Assam will be brought to Madhya Pradesh in three groups over a period of three years, along with a pair of rhinos and king cobras. In return, Madhya Pradesh will provide tigers, crocodiles and gaur to Assam. The Chief Minister was made aware that Namibian female cheetah Asha has given birth to five healthy cubs for the second time. With this, the total number of cheetahs in the state has risen to 35.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was informed that in a joint operation by the State Tiger Strike Force of Madhya Pradesh and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, New Delhi, an international tiger smuggler, Yangchen Lachungpa, wanted for the past 10 years, was arrested near the India–China international border in North Sikkim.

The Madhya Pradesh State Wildlife Board approved proposals related to the expansion of buffer zones in Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary, Sanjay Tiger Reserve (Sidhi), Wildlife clearances concerning
Panna Tiger Reserve, Padma Shri Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar Tiger Reserve, Son Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary, Kuno National Park (Sheopur) and the Satpura–Pench Tiger Reserve corridor.

The meeting reaffirmed the state’s commitment to advancing wildlife conservation, biodiversity, eco-tourism, and community engagement.