CM Dr. Yadav’s Directive to Establish Wildlife Rescue Centres Being Established
‘Vantara’-Inspired Innovations to Build a ‘Jio Aur Jeene Do’ Wildlife Ecosystem
Bhopal : Wednesday, July 2, 2025, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has stated that Madhya Pradesh is developing a co-existence-based ecosystem centred on the spirit of ‘Jio Aur Jeene Do’, which is not only contributing to biodiversity conservation but also boosting tourism and creating new employment opportunities for forest dwellers.
Several innovative initiatives in the field of wildlife conservation are underway in the state. These include the Use of advanced technologies in the conservation and management of wildlife sanctuaries, the Establishment of rescue centres inspired by Gujarat’s ‘Vantara’ model, Relocation of rare species like cheetahs, gharials, and turtles between sanctuaries and Fencing of protected areas to enhance safety.
Following CM Dr. Yadav’s directives, the Forest Department has been instructed to study Gujarat’s Vantara Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and establish a similar rescue and animal welfare project in Madhya Pradesh. He stated this initiative will set a new benchmark in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.
CM Dr. Yadav highlighted that the state’s dense forests and wildlife tourism are becoming major sources of revenue. He also announced special incentives and facilities for forest officials and staff, acknowledging their contributions to significant increases in both forest cover and revenue. The process of converting forest villages into revenue villages is ongoing. Several locations have been declared biodiversity heritage sites, and the response time to forest fire incidents has greatly improved, reflecting more effective forest management.
Key Initiatives in Wildlife Conservation
The tiger population in Madhya Pradesh is steadily increasing, further reinforcing the state’s identity as India’s ‘Tiger State’. The state now has nine tiger reserves. These reserves not only support tiger conservation but also promote the tourism industry and strengthen the local economy.
To enhance visitor experience, multiple new activities have been introduced under the ‘Buffer-Safar’ scheme in the buffer zones of tiger reserves. Tourists are now able to enjoy natural landscapes, forests and wildlife sightings, along with a variety of eco-tourism activities. This will offer a new dimension to tourism in the state while also reducing pressure on core wildlife zones.
Over 15,000 forest committees have been formed across the state, and efforts are underway to make their operations more effective and dynamic. The state is also developing modern zoos and rescue centres—new facilities equipped with advanced features are soon to be established in Ujjain and Jabalpur.
New conservation reserves are being created in Omkareshwar, Tapti, and the Sonewani region of Balaghat to help protect critical wildlife habitats.
Following the successful reintroduction of African cheetahs in Kuno, the process has now begun to relocate these cheetahs to other sanctuaries across Madhya Pradesh and India. Preparations are also underway to introduce cheetahs into the newly formed Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in the Bundelkhand forest region, which will enhance biodiversity.
As part of aquatic wildlife conservation, breeding centres are being established in the Narmada River for species like the Mahseer fish. Conservation centres for turtles, crocodiles, gharials, and Ganga dolphins already exist in Chambal, where populations of these species are steadily increasing. These aquatic animals are being relocated across the state and even to other parts of the country.
To prevent human-wildlife conflict, nearly 160 kilometres of fencing is being installed around protected areas, ensuring greater safety for wildlife.
Respect for the Rights of Tribals and Vanvasis
CM Dr. Yadav emphasised that the declaration of tiger reserves will not affect the rights of tribal communities and forest dwellers, and their rights will be fully respected. A co-management policy will be followed, with proper rehabilitation arrangements wherever needed.
Under CM Dr. Yadav’s visionary leadership, Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a national model in wildlife conservation, successfully balancing biodiversity, tourism, tribal livelihoods, and co-existence with wildlife.
K.K. Joshi