Madhya Pradesh: In the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Thursday between the Madhya Pradesh Tiger Foundation Committee and the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre Committee. The purpose of this MoU is to collaborate in wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, animal health, and welfare for animals housed in zoos, rescue centers, and safaris.
Special capacity-building and skill development programs will be conducted for forest staff, veterinarians and elephant mahouts, along with technical support for the proposed zoo-cum-safari centre in Ujjain. The agreement also includes the joint development of advanced wildlife health and rescue infrastructure, including veterinary hospitals and diagnostic laboratories.
Laboratory Support for Molecular Genetic Analysis of Tiger Population
Under this MoU, an integrated digital zoo management information system will be designed and developed for the state’s zoological institutions. For conservation planning and evidence-based wildlife management, particularly the molecular genetic analysis of zoo tiger (Panthera Tigris) populations, the advanced laboratory facilities of the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre will be made available. Joint research will be undertaken to prevent, diagnose and treat wildlife diseases.
The MoU will remain in effect for two years. As part of the agreement, the Greens Centre will review technical protocols, veterinary practices & animal welfare standards and provide expert advice to the Forest Department of the Government of Madhya Pradesh.
The MoU signing and exchange ceremony held at Samatva Bhavan, Chief Minister’s residence, was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Forest) Shri Ashok Barnwal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri V.N. Ambade, Dr. Brij Kishore Gupta, Shri Anupam Jain and Shri Sandeep Dixit from the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre.