Union Minister Leads IIFM-Bhopal Meeting Focused on Cheetah Conservation
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Synopsis
On April 18, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav led the 40th annual meeting at IIFM, assessing 'Project Cheetah' progress, announcing new MBA programs for 2025-26, and inaugurating new facilities. He emphasized collective environmental protection efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Project Cheetah progress evaluation.
- New MBA programs starting in 2025-26.
- Inauguration of a 500-seater auditorium.
- Need for collective environmental protection.
- Focus on community rights and adaptation.
Bhopal, April 18 (NationPress) Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav chaired the 40th annual general meeting of the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) society in Bhopal on Friday to assess the advancements of 'Project Cheetah'.
In this session, the Union Minister evaluated the academic research, training programs, and infrastructure development at IIFM.
He declared that new MBA (Master of Business Administration) programs will be introduced in the institution for the academic year 2025-26.
Additionally, he inaugurated a 500-seater auditorium and a 60-room hostel at IIFM.
During his day-long visit to Bhopal, Yadav participated in various programs and stated, "We are dedicated to enhancing infrastructure and building capacity for institutions to foster a supportive environment for research and awareness surrounding ecosystem conservation."
Later, Union Minister Yadav, alongside Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, convened a meeting with senior officials to discuss the advancements of 'Project Cheetah'.
A thorough discussion regarding cheetah conservation took place in the meeting, according to the Union Minister.
Union Minister Yadav also launched a two-day national workshop addressing critical topics such as forest restoration, climate change, and community-based livelihoods at the Noronha Administrative Academy in Bhopal.
In his inaugural address at the workshop, he emphasized the need for collective efforts to safeguard the forest and environment.
Highlighting future challenges, he emphasized that neither the government nor any specific community can independently protect the environment and forests.
He pointed out that excessive plastic usage has become a perilous trend that could culminate in disaster.
"Due to modern lifestyles, carbon emissions have surged in both rural and urban areas. We must recognize that if we continue to harm nature, it will retaliate. Thus, collective efforts are essential for environmental protection," asserted the Union Minister.
He emphasized that the rights of communities living in or near forests should be upheld, yet stated that "the time has come for us to adapt as well."
"We must focus on enhancing our capacity for adaptation, necessitating collective efforts from every individual," he added.
During the two-day workshop, Union Minister Yadav remarked that the Centre has embraced the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
