Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav has emphasized the need to prioritize the protection and management of aquatic wildlife just as much as terrestrial species. He directed that, if necessary, a separate officer should be appointed for this task, who would oversee the census and management of aquatic species.
CM Yadav made these remarks while presiding over the 29th Meeting of the Madhya Pradesh State Wildlife Board at the Mantralaya\.
Approval for Two New Conservation Reserves
The Board, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, approved two major proposals unanimously. Under this, Tapti Conservation Reserve will be formed comprising 84.006 sq km of Tapti Range of South Betul General Forest Division, 65.205 sq km of Chicholi Range of West Betul General Forest Division, and 100.789 sq km of Tawdi Range, i.e. a total of 250.00 sq km forest area under Betul district.
Similarly, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also approved the proposal to declare Sonwani forest area of Balaghat district as a conservation reserve. Under this, the formation of a new conservation reserve was approved by declaring 163.195 sq km Sonwani reserved forest area in Balaghat district as a conservation reserve. Notification of both will also be issued soon.
Five giraffes and five zebras to be brought from Botswana, wild buffalo, rhino from Assam
Chief Wildlife Warden Shri Shubhranjan Sen informed that short films are being prepared on the state’s conservation efforts. Two King Cobras from Mangalore Zoo, Karnataka have been introduced to Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal. Coordination is underway with Van Tara Zoo in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
In alignment with the CM’s vision, efforts are being made to bring five giraffes and five zebras from Botswana through government-level coordination. Initiatives are also in progress to bring wild buffalo and rhinoceros from Assam. A national workshop on aquatic wildlife conservation will be held in Pachmarhi in July 2025, aimed at preparing a comprehensive action plan for conservation of the Narmada River and other wetlands.
Recent Key Achievements of the Wildlife Board
On 3 April 2025, a male tiger was successfully released in Madhav Tiger Reserve. On 11 April 2025, 258.64 sq. km of forest area was officially notified as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Abhayaran Sagar. On 20 April, two cheetahs were reintroduced in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. An International Zoo & Wildlife Health Conference was held in Jabalpur on 24–25 April 2025. On 8 May, King Cobras and turtles were released in their ideal habitat in Van Vihar National Park.
Permission was granted for the construction of a high-level bridge on the Son River from Murdadih-Tariha to Sontir-Pathehra in Sidhi district, under the Son Gharial Sanctuary. Approval was also given to set up a temporary police camp on 0.95 hectares of forest land in Dhamangaon village, Bichhiya Tehsil (Kanha Tiger Reserve Buffer Zone, Mandla). Other proposals presented by the Wildlife Board were also approved by the Chief Minister.
Permanent Management Plan for Wild Elephants
Dr. Yadav stressed the need for effective measures to prevent wild elephants from entering residential areas. Modern techniques should be used to manage their movement. A long-term strategy must be devised to keep them away from human settlements.
Bhopal to Follow Indore’s Zoo Management Model
The Chief Minister suggested replicating the successful management of aerial and terrestrial species at Indore Zoo in Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal. New species, including aquatic animals, should be introduced. He directed that crocodiles be introduced in the Narmada River, and efforts be made to increase the population of gharials. A proposal to release gharials in Panna National Park is already under preparation. He also called for special efforts for the conservation of vultures and eagles.
