Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that the state government is identifying biodiversity-rich areas and establishing biosphere reserves to ensure their sustainable conservation. Declaring an area as a biosphere reserve promotes both environmental protection and sustainable development. He said this while addressing ministers ahead of the Cabinet meeting at Mantralaya on Tuesday.
CM Yadav said that the Pachmarhi region was declared a biosphere reserve in 1999, followed by Achanakmar-Amarkantak and Panna in 2011.
He said that now, after a gap of nearly 15 years, the state government has taken the initiative to prepare and submit project documents to the Government of India and UNESCO for declaring Kanha, Pench, and Bandhavgarh as biosphere reserves. Efforts are underway to include these areas in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which will enhance environmental conservation, boost tourism, and create new employment opportunities.
Kanha National Park, also known as Kanha Tiger Reserve, is a vast expanse of grassland and forest. Tigers, jackals and wild pigs can be spotted in Kanha Meadows. The elevated plateau of Bamhnidadar is home to birds of prey. Animals often gather at the watering holes of Sondar Tank and Babathenga Tank. The park’s flora and fauna are documented in the park's Kanha Museum.The major attraction here is the 'Barasingha,' also known as the “Jewel of Kanha.
Pench and Bandhavgarh are two prominent national parks in the state, known for their rich biodiversity and tiger populations. Pench, named after the Pench River, is characterized by teak forests and diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and various deer species. Bandhavgarh, on the other hand, is famous for its high tiger density and the historical presence of white tigers, with a landscape featuring rocky hills and valleys.