Implement comprehensive measures to protect farmers crops from wild animal : Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh is abundant in wildlife, home to lions, tigers, cheetahs, sambhars, and elephants. He emphasized that every possible effort should be made for their welfare. Special attention should also be given to the well-being of elephants residing in the state’s forests. Proper arrangements for their food should be ensured by developing grasslands, preventing them from straying into populated areas in search of food. This initiative will help mitigate crop damage for farmers and foster coexistence between humans and elephants instead of conflict. Dr. Yadav gave these directives while presiding over the 15th general meeting of the Madhya Pradesh Tiger Foundation Committee at Samatva Bhavan, located in the Chief Minister’s residence on Thursday. He stated that wildlife tourism will be further promoted in Madhya Pradesh. To achieve this, the state should seek guidance from the Central Government, the Central Zoo Authority, and other wildlife institutions to establish a wildlife rescue center-cum-zoo with enhanced facilities. Observing wildlife in their natural habitat is always an attraction for tourists, and efforts should be directed toward enhancing wildlife tourism in the state.The meeting was attended by members of the Madhya Pradesh Tiger Foundation Committee, including MLA Shri Hemant Khandelwal, Shri Mohan Nagar, other committee members, Additional Chief Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office Dr. Rajesh Rajoura, Additional Chief Secretary of Forest Shri Ashok Barnwal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chief Wildlife Warden, and other officials.

Nilgai and blackbuck will be captured and transferred elsewhere

During the meeting, it was informed that a special action plan has been developed to prevent crop damage caused by wild animals in the state. To address this issue, nilgai and blackbucks, which are responsible for crop loss, will be captured and relocated. A Robinson 44 helicopter has been proposed for this operation, and tenders have been invited through the e-tendering process. However, despite three attempts, the required helicopter and an experienced pilot have not yet been secured.To expedite the process, a request has been made to the Principal Secretary of Aviation to provide a Robinson 44 helicopter or an equivalent aircraft to facilitate the capture operation. Once the helicopter is available, the capture of nilgai and blackbucks will commence immediately, helping to mitigate crop damage and provide relief to farmers.

During the meeting, it was reported that so far, 180 awareness camps, 24 capacity enhancement camps, and 14 employee welfare initiatives, including the solar electrification of patrolling camps, have been organized by the committee in Pench, Satpura, Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, Ralamandal, Kuno, Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Madhav National Park.Additionally, the Madhya Pradesh Tiger Foundation Committee will establish a souvenir shop in the new forest building, which will be directly managed by the committee. The revenue generated from this shop will be utilized for the welfare of employees engaged in wildlife conservation.The committee also organized International Tiger Day 2024 on 29th July, with Chief Minister Dr. Yadav as the chief guest. Furthermore, public participation and support were received through the “Close-to-My-Heart” campaign, promoting greater awareness and involvement in wildlife conservation efforts.

The committee will provide financial assistance of up to 5 lakh rupees to forest workers working in forest divisions

If forest workers deployed in protected areas or forest divisions of the state sustain serious injuries during accidental incidents while protecting or rescuing wildlife, they require immediate financial assistance for treatment. In such cases, if funds are not available from other sources, immediate financial aid of up to Rs 5 lakh per case will be provided. Additionally, if an air ambulance is required, the necessary amount will be covered from the Corpus Fund approved under wildlife protection schemes by the Madhya Pradesh Tiger Foundation Committee. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav approved this proposal, along with other development projects and proposals presented by the committee during the meeting.

Functions and objectives of Madhya Pradesh Tiger Foundation Committee

The Madhya Pradesh Government, through an innovative initiative in 1997, established the Madhya Pradesh Tiger Foundation Committee on 15 January 1997 under the Madhya Pradesh Society Registration Act, 1973. The Forest Minister of the Madhya Pradesh Government serves as the Chairman of the Committee and the General Assembly, while the Additional Chief Secretary, Forest, is the Chairman of the Governing Body. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden act as the Secretary of the Committee.This Committee plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation across the state, working in collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), public participation, and other relevant institutions. Donations, financial support, and materials received from various stakeholders are utilized to meet the specific management needs of protected areas. Additionally, the Madhya Pradesh Tiger Foundation Committee conducts various awareness campaigns and programs to promote public engagement and foster a collective responsibility towards wildlife conservation.