MP: CM Mohan Yadav Releases Gharials and Turtles into Kuno River
MP: Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that the conservation and augmentation of gharials and turtles are being actively undertaken in the state. The Cheetah Project is steadily progressing toward success, increasing the number of cheetahs in the state to 48.
CM made these remarks after releasing gharials and turtles into the Kuno River at Kuno National Park. He stated that the number of tourists visiting Madhya Pradesh has also increased this year. The CM released 53 gharials and 33 turtles into the Kuno River.
The turtles have been brought from the Barahi Turtle Conservation Centre in Morena. Of the 33 turtles, 25 are Three-striped Roofed Turtles and 8 are Indian Flap-shelled Turtles. Additionally, 53 gharials brought from the Deori Gharial Centre were released into the Kuno River.
CM Mohan Yadav said his initiative is part of the state government’s plan to promote aquatic wildlife. The conservation of wild animals and the resulting growth in biodiversity are creating new opportunities for tourism in the state, which in turn is generating employment. The state government is committed to ensuring that the benefits of these initiatives reach all sections of society.
CM said these turtles and gharials are rare aquatic species found in the Ganga and Brahmaputra river basins. They are invaluable components of biodiversity and play a crucial role in maintaining the natural ecological balance of rivers. These species are listed in the endangered category on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The state government is undertaking dedicated and meaningful efforts for their conservation.
On the occasion, Senior MLA and State BJP President Hemant Khandelwal, former Forest Minister Ramniwas Rawat, Chairman of the Sahariya Development Authority Tursanpal Bariya, Vice Chairman Sitaram Adivasi, District Panchayat President Guddi Bai Adivasi, MLA Brijraj Singh Chauhan, Principal Secretary (Forest) Sandeep Yadav, Commissioner, Suresh Kumar, DIG Sachin Atulkar, Collector Arpit Verma, Director of National Chambal Sanctuary, DFO Harish Baghel, Kuno DFO R Thirukural and other public representatives were present.
During the event, a memento was presented on behalf of the National Chambal Sanctuary, Deori (Morena).