Is Madhya Pradesh a Model for Wildlife Conservation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Madhya Pradesh is a benchmark for wildlife conservation in India.
- The state has the highest tiger population in the country.
- New tiger reserves are being established to enhance biodiversity.
- Community involvement is crucial for conservation efforts.
- Wildlife tourism is on the rise, benefiting the local economy.
Bhopal, July 29 (NationPress) Madhya Pradesh is being hailed as a national benchmark for wildlife conservation and management, as proclaimed by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday.
Emphasizing the state's diverse biodiversity, Yadav stated that India possesses the largest tiger population worldwide, with Madhya Pradesh at the forefront among Indian states.
“Our initiatives have not only fortified the ecosystem but have also enhanced tourism. We are actively promoting community involvement in conservation efforts,” he remarked during a state-level event celebrating International Tiger Day at the Kushabhau Thakre Convention Centre in Bhopal.
The Chief Minister introduced plans for two new tiger reserves - Ratapani, situated between Bhopal and Sehore, and the Madhav Tiger Reserve in Gwalior, elevating the total number of reserves in the state to nine.
He further announced the initiation of tiger safaris in the buffer zones of the current reserves.
“Thanks to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Madhya Pradesh has effectively reintroduced cheetahs. Ratapani is now recognized as the eighth tiger reserve of the state. We are also planning the development of zoos and wildlife rescue centers in Ujjain and Jabalpur,” Yadav noted.
He praised the commitment of forest personnel, acknowledging their contribution to expanding forest cover and enhancing wildlife populations. Conservation projects, including vulture censuses and species-specific programs, are actively being pursued throughout the state.
Yadav also inaugurated three wildlife transportation vehicles, three wildlife medical units, and two dog squad rescue vehicles. He unveiled the Hindi version of the State Wildlife Management Plan 2023–2043 and presented a dossier on elephant identification created by the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Additionally, he launched a special postal cover issued by the Department of Posts to celebrate International Tiger Day and released a poster focused on wild owl species.
According to the 2022 tiger census, India holds an estimated population of 3,682 tigers, with Madhya Pradesh accounting for 785, the highest in the country, thus maintaining its reputation as the Tiger State. The state also ranks first in the effective management of national parks and protected areas.
With its rich biodiversity, Madhya Pradesh has emerged as a major destination for wildlife tourism. The influx of domestic and international tourists visiting tiger reserves has shown consistent growth. A report from the Wildlife Institute of India identified Kanha Tiger Reserve in Panna district as the premier tiger habitat in the nation.