MP: Dinosaur National Park and Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary to be built in Dhar; know what will be their unique features and attractions

A meeting regarding the establishment of Dinosaur National Park and Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary was held at the Divisional Commissioner's office, chaired by Indore Divisional Commissioner Shri Deepak Singh. The meeting included participation from Dhar Collector Shri Priyank Mishra, Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Sapna Lovanshi, the District Forest Divisional Officer, and officials from the Panchayat and Forest Departments via video conferencing.

During the meeting, Divisional Commissioner Shri Singh announced that Dinosaur National Park will be constructed in the Bagh tehsil of Dhar district. The park will be surrounded by the villages of Borkuri, Risajala, Bayadipura (Padalia), and Gangkui (Jamaniyapura). Like other national parks, this area falls under the Eco Sensitive Zone, emphasizing wildlife conservation and environmental protection.

Park will be rich in Ayurvedic and medicinal trees

Strategically located between Bhopal and Meghnagar Road, the national park will be about 95 km from Meghnagar railway station, 152 km from Indore railway station, and 350 km from Bhopal railway station. Nearby attractions include the Badkeshwar Mahadev temple, Hanuman temple, historical garden caves, and forts, all of which are expected to draw more tourists. The park will feature thousands of species of Ayurvedic and medicinal trees, such as Sheesham, Neem, and Amla, as well as wildlife including jackals and foxes.

Currently, over 15,000 tourists visit the area annually, and the number is anticipated to grow significantly once the park is established. The optimal time for visits is from October to December, when tourist numbers can increase three to four times, especially on weekends.

Rights of the local tribal communities will be protected

Commissioner Singh emphasized the commitment to respecting the rights of the local tribal communities, who are the majority in the area. Their traditions, festivals, and celebrations will be honored during the park's development. Additionally, the project aims to promote nature conservation and provide employment opportunities for the tribal population, alongside initiatives for skill development and the promotion of Bagh prints in the region.

Rare Kharmor will be protected in Sardarpur

The meeting also covered the Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary, which will similarly fall under the eco-sensitive zone. This sanctuary will be home to various wildlife, including foxes, monkeys, langurs, jackals, and a diverse range of bird species, notably the Kharmor bird, which is indigenous to the area.

The sanctuary will feature a wide variety of trees and plants, such as teak, babool, palash, and anjan, with a strong emphasis on environmental conservation. Efforts will be made to attract tourists, positioning Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary as a significant center for the Malwa and Nimar regions, and potentially serving as an important educational resource for zoology students. Suggestions from concerned officials were also discussed during the meeting.

Prakash Kumar Pandey