Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that wildlife is the ornament of forests and protecting it is a collective responsibility. He said that wildlife conservation in Madhya Pradesh is a mission to which the government remains firmly committed.
CM Mohan Yadav addressed the valedictory function of Wildlife Week in Rahli, Sagar, on Wednesday. He released two cheetahs—a male, ‘Vyom’, and a female, ‘Neera’—into the secure enclosure, or soft-release boma, prepared for them in Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve. CM also interacted with Cheetah Mitras and Baghini Didis.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that after Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Nauradehi Tiger Reserve has become a new habitat for cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh. Located in Bundelkhand, Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve is now Madhya Pradesh’s third cheetah habitat, where the animals will roam freely in a suitable natural environment.
Established 41 years ago, Nauradehi has now emerged as a unique wildlife destination where tourists will be able to see both cheetahs and tigers in the same reserve.
CM said the populations of aquatic, terrestrial and avian species are also increasing continuously in the state. Conservation efforts are also being undertaken for crocodiles, regarded as the vehicle of Narmada Maiya.
Homestays to Generate Local Employment and Income: Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that homestay services are being promoted in buffer zones around forest areas. Residents of nearby villages can prepare one or two rooms in their homes for homestay facilities and create self-employment opportunities. The state government is also providing grants of ₹2 lakh to ₹3 lakh for setting up homestays.
MP Rahul Singh said that Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve covers a vast area and the release of cheetahs would help increase tourist footfall in the future. He called for language-training centres to be established to connect local youth with employment opportunities. He said young people trained in different languages could become skilled guides and provide tourists with accurate and useful information.
CM Releases Book, Brochure and Poster: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav released the book ‘Vulture Population Assessment 2026’, posters on Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve prepared in the Bundeli dialect, and a brochure on the public-participation-based Baghini Didi Campaign at the programme.
