Betul in Madhya Pradesh selected as pilot site for Rs 100 crore forest landscape project, how this initiative could serve as a model across India
Betul, July 2: Betul district in Madhya Pradesh is set to become the pilot site for a major Rs 100 crore forest landscape project. The project aims to integrate environmental conservation with the economic development of local communities. If successful, this initiative could serve as a model for integrated forest management across India.
The proposed project seeks to bring forests, wildlife, water resources, biodiversity, agriculture, and villages holding forest rights under a unified planning framework. Unlike traditional conservation programs, this initiative places equal emphasis on protecting natural ecosystems and improving the livelihoods of the people who depend on them.
The initiative is being guided by Rakesh Bhushan Sinha, a former Chief Conservator of Forests in Betul who currently serves as a Senior Advisor at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The project proposes to cover the Satpura-Melghat landscape, encompassing wildlife corridors spread across the Narmadapuram, Betul, and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh, as well as the Melghat region in Maharashtra.
Entire Satpura-Melghat forest region functions as an interconnected ecosystem
Officials state that the project is based on the concept that the entire Satpura-Melghat forest region functions as an interconnected ecosystem. The plan involves formulating a common strategy for the entire area to conserve forests, protect wildlife corridors, safeguard water sources, promote biodiversity, and support agriculture and rural livelihoods.
Special attention will be paid to families holding forest rights. The project aims to boost their income by linking them with schemes from various government departments while simultaneously reducing their dependence on forest resources, thereby alleviating pressure on the ecosystem.
Implementation will involve close coordination between the district administration and the Forest Department. The District Collector will head the project's steering committee, while the concerned Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) will serve as its member-secretary. Departments such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Rural Development, and Water Resources are expected to collaborate to ensure synergy among their respective programs.
This proposal aligns with the goals of three key United Nations environmental agreements addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation, and desertification. Funding of approximately US$11 million (around Rs 100 crore) has been proposed through the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The project is currently in the planning stage. A concept paper will be submitted to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and other relevant agencies. Upon approval, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared, which officials aim to submit by November.
Expert team recently visited Betul
As part of the preparatory work, a team comprising national experts, senior officials, and technical specialists recently visited Betul to study the Satpura-Melghat region and draft a framework tailored to local ecological and social conditions.
Arihant, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the South Forest Division, stated that the project aims to ensure that forest rights holders benefit from multiple government schemes through a coordinated approach. "The objective is to improve their livelihoods while ensuring the long-term conservation of forests," he said.
Experts believe the project has the potential to strengthen forest and water conservation, enhance biodiversity, protect wildlife corridors, and foster better coordination among government departments. However, they caution that its success will depend on strong cooperation between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, timely approvals, transparent utilization of funds, and the active participation of local communities.