MP News: Will a new state level task force be formed in Madhya Pradesh? Will human-wildlife conflict be declared a disaster? Will the Son Chidiya coming from Rajasthan change the picture of the forests? Will safari and home stay increase for wild tourism? Will Madhya Pradesh with 52 leopards create a new record in wildlife conservation?
Bhopal. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav conducted a detailed review of the schemes and activities of the Forest Department on June 18 at Samatva Bhawan, the Chief Minister’s residence. In the meeting, he said that Madhya Pradesh is identified by its rich forest wealth, natural heritage and biodiversity. In such a situation, long term and effective efforts should be made for the conservation and promotion of these resources.
The Chief Minister said that protecting biological and botanical diversity is not only an environmental necessity but also our responsibility towards the coming generations. He directed the officials to give priority to expansion of forest areas, large scale plantation, conservation of natural resources and participation of local communities.
Instructions for expansion of facilities to increase wild tourism
Dr. Yadav said that there are immense possibilities in the field of wild tourism in Madhya Pradesh. To develop it faster, better facilities should be provided for tourists. He also directed to consider promoting tourism activities like home-stay and increasing the number of safari vehicles. He said that better facilities will attract more tourists towards the forest areas and sanctuaries of the state.
Emphasis on adopting modern management system for wildlife conservation
The Chief Minister directed to adopt modern management system for the protection of wildlife in the national parks and sanctuaries of the state. He said that new wild animals should be released in their natural habitat so that the forest wealth of the state can become more prosperous.
He also stressed on developing the temples of tribal communities located in forest areas in accordance with their traditions and customs. Officials said that this year 300 temples will be developed, while till now 1421 temples have been developed.
State level task force and command control room approved
In the meeting, the Chief Minister informed that the Andhra Pradesh government has requested Madhya Pradesh to provide tigers and gaur. He instructed the officials to complete the necessary process. Also asked to explore possibilities of getting wild dogs or other wild animals from Andhra Pradesh in return. Similarly, Rajasthan Government has given consent to provide Son Chidiya. The Chief Minister directed that the process of acquiring the golden bird should be completed as soon as possible.
The Chief Minister approved the proposal to constitute a ‘State Level Task Force’ on the lines of the State Tiger Strike Force for effective control of forest crimes. Apart from this, the proposal to establish ‘Command and Control Room’ at the Forest Headquarters level to strengthen forest and wildlife security was also approved.
Preparation to declare human-wildlife conflict a disaster
The Chief Minister said that efforts will be made to include the increasing conflict between humans and wildlife in the category of state disaster. If this happens, the administration, police, forest department and disaster management forces together will be able to solve such cases in a more effective manner. Along with this, the proposal to increase the ‘Transport License Fee’ of the Forest Department related to mineral transportation was also approved.
Son bird will come from Rajasthan, leopards will be released in Gandhisagar
In the meeting, Principal Secretary Forest Sandeep Yadav informed that the gold birds received from Rajasthan will be released in the forests of Ghatigaon and Gandhisagar by the hands of the Chief Minister. He told that at present there are a total of 52 leopards in Madhya Pradesh, out of which 32 were born in Kuno National Park. Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Sagar district is being developed as the third major habitat of leopards. Apart from this, preparations are being made to release one male and one female leopard in Gandhisagar Sanctuary of Mandsaur district during July 2026.
Madhya Pradesh is leading in the country in tiger, leopard, leopard and vulture conservation.
The Principal Secretary said that Madhya Pradesh remains the leading state in the country in terms of the number and conservation of tiger, leopard, leopard, wolf, gharial and vulture. To strengthen wildlife conservation, five wildlife rescue centers are being developed around Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench and Panna national parks.
Resources will increase for monitoring and conservation of elephants
He said that a team of Forest Department has visited West Bengal to get information about better management of wild elephants. The Central Government has also given permission to put radio collars on six elephants present within the state border. The number of posts of assistant mahouts will be increased for the conservation and care of elephants. Besides, the process of giving more powers to the post of Forest Management Officer will also be started for quick resolution of border disputes related to forest and revenue land.
Preparation of special budget to deal with Sal Borer disease
The Principal Secretary said that an outbreak of a disease called Sal Borer has been seen in the forests of Anuppur and Dindori districts. This problem occurs approximately once in 30 years. Earlier this disease was recorded in the year 1997. Additional budget will be provided for the management and control of trees affected by the disease and necessary action will be taken.
Tendupatta collectors will get bonus of more than Rs 710 crore
According to the Forest Department, a total of 17.76 lakh standard bags of tendu leaves have been collected in the state in the year 2026. In return, a bonus amount of Rs 710.71 crore will be distributed to tendupatta collectors. Apart from this, work is also being progressed rapidly towards converting about 700 forest villages of the state into revenue villages.