A Rare Wildlife Opportunity: You Will Be Able To See Critically Endangered Great Indian Bustards in MP's Ghatigaon and Gandhi Sagar in Near Future
MP Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh is known for its natural heritage, biodiversity and rich forest resources, and therefore effective and long-term initiatives must be ensured at all levels for their conservation.
He said that forest tourism should be expanded rapidly, as the sector offers immense opportunities. Tourist facilities should be enhanced and visitors should be informed about attractions such as homestays. He also suggested increasing the number of safari vehicles to attract more tourists.
Dr. Yadav was addressing a review meeting of Forest Department activities at Samatva Bhavan in the Chief Minister's Residence on Thursday. He directed officials to undertake special efforts for conservation and augmentation of forest wealth and protection of wildlife across the state. He stressed adoption of modern management systems for wildlife conservation in sanctuaries and national parks and called for introduction of new wildlife species into suitable natural habitats to further enrich forest ecosystems.
Minister of State for Forest and Environment Dilip Ahirwar participated in the meeting virtually.
Places of worship of tribal communities will be developed appropriately
The Chief Minister also directed that places of worship of tribal communities located within forest areas should be developed appropriately while respecting their traditions and customs. It was informed that 300 such sacred sites will be developed this year. Earlier, 1,421 such sites have already been developed.
Tigers and Gaur to be given to Andhra Pradesh, Wild Dogs to be received in Exchange
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Government of Andhra Pradesh has requested Madhya Pradesh to provide tigers and gaur. He directed officials to initiate necessary action for transferring these animals and to explore possibilities of receiving wild dogs or other wildlife species from Andhra Pradesh in exchange.
Govt of Rajasthan has agreed to provide Great Indian Bustards
Similarly, Government of Rajasthan has agreed to provide Great Indian Bustards. The Chief Minister directed that these birds be obtained and introduced in Madhya Pradesh. He approved a proposal for formation of a State-Level Task Force, on lines of State Tiger Strike Force, to effectively control organised forest crimes. He also approved establishment of a Command and Control Room at Forest Headquarters level for protection of forests and wildlife.
Principal Secretary of Forest, Sandeep Yadav informed the Chief Minister that Great Indian Bustards received from Rajasthan would be released in forests of Ghatigaon and Gandhi Sagar by the Chief Minister himself.
He informed that Madhya Pradesh currently has 52 cheetahs, including 32 born in Kuno National Park. Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Sagar district is being developed as the third home for cheetahs in the state. Preparations are underway to release one male and one female cheetah in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Mandsaur district in July 2026.
Rescue Centres to be Developed near Five National Parks
He further stated that Madhya Pradesh ranks first in India in terms of population and conservation of tigers, cheetahs, leopards, wolves, gharials and vultures.
Principal Secretary Yadav informed that wildlife rescue centres are being developed near five locations, including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench and Panna National Parks. A team of Forest Department officials has visited West Bengal to learn management practices for wild elephants. Central Government has granted permission to fit radio collars on six elephants present within state boundaries.
Additional assistant mahout positions will be created to strengthen elephant management. The post of Forest Management Officer will be empowered further to resolve forest and revenue land boundary disputes.