MP: Nauradehi Tiger Reserve will be new home for Cheetahs; CM Mohan Yadav also releases 14 turtles
Bhopal: MP Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav released protected species of turtles into the water at the Veerangana Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve on Wednesday, conveying a renewed message of biodiversity conservation. On the occasion, he also performed the Bhoomi Poojan for a special enclosure (soft release boma) to be constructed for the rehabilitation of cheetahs.
CM Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the state government is continuously working to conserve wildlife and aquatic species by enriching forests and water sources.
CM stated that the Nauradehi Tiger Reserve is set to gain a new identity in the future, as it will become the third secure habitat for cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh. This initiative will boost wildlife tourism in the state and further enrich its biodiversity. He said the government is taking important steps to maintain a balance between nature and development.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, on his birthday, performed the Bhoomi Poojan for the soft-release boma for cheetah rehabilitation. He also released 14 turtles, brought from the Chambal River and Bhopal, into the Bamner River for free movement.
Nauradehi is the largest tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh and shares ecological boundaries with Satpura National Park, Kanha National Park, and Pench National Park. Nauradehi Tiger Reserve offers a favourable habitat for various wildlife species.
14 Turtles Released into Bamner River
On his 61st birthday, CM launched a new initiative for wildlife conservation at the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve located in the Rahli tehsil of Sagar district. He released 14 turtles into the Bamner River, which flows through the tiger reserve, restoring them to their natural habitat. The turtles belonged to two species: six of the Terra Pins species and eight of the Sundari species. According to experts, these species play an important role in maintaining river cleanliness and balancing aquatic biodiversity.
A New Chapter for Bundelkhand
The Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve spans 2,339 square kilometres, making it the largest tiger reserve in the state, spread across the districts of Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur. It is also known as the ‘Land of Wolves’. Currently, around 32 tigers inhabit the reserve. The landscape is suitable for cheetahs and resembles habitats found in South Africa.
Cheetahs are expected to be relocated here soon from Kuno National Park. The sanctuary is home to about 240 species of birds, making it a major attraction for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The reserve hosts a wide variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, wolves, bears, jackals, hyenas, foxes, wild boars, nilgai, four-horned antelope, blackbuck, chinkara, turtles, and crocodiles. With its development, the tiger reserve holds immense potential for tourism and employment generation.
Birthday Celebrations with Children
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav received a warm welcome in Rahli on his birthday. On the occasion, he personally offered kaju katli sweets to young girls and wished them a bright future. He also distributed driving licence certificates to eight girls present at the event. CM Mohan Yadav said the government is committed to empowering daughters and making them self-reliant.
Chief Minister Shares Meal at Farmer’s Field
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also visited the field of farmer Hardas Raikwar, where the farmer’s family welcomed him with traditional rituals, placing a ceremonial kalash and applying a tilak. The CM sat on a traditional cot under the shade of a mango tree and had a meal in the rural setting. Before the meal, he fed jaggery and fodder to a cow. CM appreciated the traditional Bundeli cuisine and tasted dishes such as kadhi, birra roti, samā rice kheer, and khichla-papad. He also interacted with the farmer and inquired about the benefits being received from various government welfare schemes.