Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav called upon the Forest Department to focus on developing forest tourism in view of the rapidly expanding tourism potential in Madhya Pradesh. He directed departmental officials to identify areas with potential for developing and expanding forest tourism, coordinate with the Tourism Department and prepare concrete action plans for implementation. The Chief Minister said that Madhya Pradesh's natural wealth, biodiversity and immense potential for wildlife tourism can play an important role in giving fresh impetus to the state's economy. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav chaired and addressed the 32nd meeting of the Madhya Pradesh State Wildlife Board at the Mantralaya on Tuesday.
Promote Homestays to Boost Local and Tribal Incomes
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav laid special emphasis on promoting homestays, saying they would create additional employment and income opportunities for local residents, forest dwellers and tribal families in their respective areas. He said the benefits of forest tourism should extend beyond tourists and also contribute to the prosperity of forest-dwelling and tribal families living in and around forests. The Chief Minister directed that local community participation be ensured in the expansion of tourism activities. This would provide tourists with an opportunity to experience local culture and traditions while also strengthening the rural and tribal economy.
Exchange Healthy Adult Wildlife with Other States
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed officials to maintain continuous engagement with other states and facilitate the exchange of healthy adult wild animals. He said that Madhya Pradesh should provide tigers to states such as Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka and, in return, explore the possibility of bringing elephants, rhinos and other wildlife to the state. The Chief Minister also issued clear directions regarding the use of forest land, instructing officials to strictly monitor any diversion of forest land for different purposes. He said illegal mining in forest areas must not be allowed under any circumstances.
Board Approves 30 Proposals
The meeting held detailed discussions on various proposals for infrastructure development in national parks and tiger reserves and wildlife conservation. A total of 30 proposals were placed before the Board for approval and were cleared after deliberations. The approved proposals include construction of CC roads in forest villages located within the vicinity of national parks, construction of paved roads in forest villages within tiger reserves, installation of mobile towers in national parks and tiger reserve areas, construction of sub-health centres, laying of electricity lines and other essential construction and development works.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed that all construction and development works in forest villages located within national parks and tiger reserve areas should be undertaken only after taking the local residents into confidence.
Balance Development with Conservation
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said protecting forest resources while maintaining a balance between development and conservation should remain the highest priority. He stressed the need to prevent any form of human-wildlife conflict. He said it is essential to expand basic amenities for people living in forest areas while ensuring that development activities do not adversely impact forest and wildlife conservation. The Chief Minister reiterated that local communities should be actively involved in expanding tourism activities. He also directed that senior officials from the Central Government and the state Archaeology Department be included as special invitee members of the Wildlife Board to provide expert services.
Minister of State for Forest and Environment Shri Dilip Ahirwar, Chief Secretary Shri Ashok Barnwal, Additional Chief Secretary Shri Neeraj Mandloi, Principal Secretary, Forests, Shri Raghavendra Kumar Singh, Wildlife Board members Dr. Mohan Nagar, Dr. Roopnarayan Mandve, Shri Vijay Manohar Tiwari and Shri Vyas, MLA Shri Madhu Singh Gehlot, members of Bhaurao Bhiskute Nyas, Narmadapuram, Bharat Bharati, Betul and Deendayal Research Institute, Chitrakoot, PCCF Shri Sudhiranjan Sen, Chief Wildlife Warden Smt. Sameeta Rajora and other senior Forest Department officials were present at the meeting.
