Special Management Must Be Ensured for Aquatic Wildlife Too : CM Yadav

Tapti (Betul) and Sonewani (Balaghat) to Be Declared Conservation Reserves
Madhya Pradesh to Be Developed as an Ideal Habitat for Wildlife
Focus on Wildlife Rehabilitation and Biodiversity Conservation

Bhopal : Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has emphasized the need to prioritize the protection and management of aquatic wildlife just as much as terrestrial species. He directed that, if necessary, a separate officer should be appointed for this task, who would oversee the census and management of aquatic species. Dr. Yadav made these remarks while presiding over the 29th Meeting of the Madhya Pradesh State Wildlife Board at the Mantralaya on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Forest and Environment Shri Dilip Ahirwar, Wildlife Board Member and Betul MLA Shri Hemant Khandelwal, Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dr. Rajesh Rajora, Additional Chief Secretary for Forests Shri Ashok Varnwal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri Aseem Shrivastava, and Board Members including Shri Mohan Nagar, Dr. Narayan Vyas, Dr. Sudesh Baghmare, and Dr. Ravichandran.

Approval for Two New Conservation Reserves

The Board, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, approved two major proposals unanimously.Tapti Conservation Reserve in Betul District. Tapti Conservation Reserve 84.006 sq. km from the Tapti Range of South Betul Forest Division, 65.205 sq. km from Chicholi Range of West Betul Division, and 100.789 sq. km from the Tawdi Range. Approval was given to Sonewani Conservation Reserve in Balaghat District 163.195 sq. km of the Sonewani Reserved Forest as a conservation reserve. Notifications for both reserves will be issued shortly.

Other Major Approvals and Directions

Permission was granted for the construction of a high-level bridge on the Son River from Murdadih-Tariha to Sontir-Pathehra in Sidhi district, under the Son Gharial Sanctuary. Approval was also given to set up a temporary police camp on 0.95 hectares of forest land in Dhamangaon village, Bichhiya Tehsil (Kanha Tiger Reserve Buffer Zone, Mandla). Other proposals presented by the Wildlife Board were also approved by the Chief Minister.

The State Government aims to make Madhya Pradesh an ideal habitat for all species of wildlife. Special emphasis will be placed on wildlife rehabilitation, sustainable planning, and biodiversity management. The Chief Minister instructed departments to seek technical assistance from the Central Government for biodiversity conservation and to prepare future wildlife resettlement and rehabilitation plans accordingly.Conservation is a top priority, and all necessary efforts must be made to protect and enrich the state’s rich forest and wildlife heritage.

Permanent Management Plan for Wild Elephants

Dr. Yadav stressed the need for effective measures to prevent wild elephants from entering residential areas. Modern techniques should be used to manage their movement. A long-term strategy must be devised to keep them away from human settlements.

Bhopal to Follow Indore’s Zoo Management Model

The Chief Minister suggested replicating the successful management of aerial and terrestrial species at Indore Zoo in Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal. New species, including aquatic animals, should be introduced. He directed that crocodiles be introduced in the Narmada River, and efforts be made to increase the population of gharials. A proposal to release gharials in Panna National Park is already under preparation. He also called for special efforts for the conservation of vultures and eagles.

International Coordination and Species Introduction

Chief Wildlife Warden Shri Shubhranjan Sen informed that Short films are being prepared on the state’s conservation efforts. Two King Cobras from Mangalore Zoo, Karnataka have been introduced to Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal. Coordination is underway with Van Tara Zoo in Jamnagar, Gujarat. In alignment with the CM’s vision, efforts are being made to bring five giraffes and five zebras from Botswana through government-level coordination. Initiatives are also in progress to bring wild buffalo and rhinoceros from Assam. A national workshop on aquatic wildlife conservation will be held in Pachmarhi in July 2025, aimed at preparing a comprehensive action plan for conservation of the Narmada River and other wetlands.

Recent Key Achievements of the Wildlife Board

On 3 April 2025, a male tiger was successfully released in Madhav Tiger Reserve. On 11 April 2025, 258.64 sq. km of forest area was officially notified as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Abhayaran Sagar. On 20 April, two cheetahs were reintroduced in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. An International Zoo & Wildlife Health Conference was held in Jabalpur on 24–25 April 2025. On 8 May, King Cobras and turtles were released in their ideal habitat in Van Vihar National Park.