Madhya Pradesh has announced a major expansion of the Mukundpur White Tiger Safari in Rewa district, with a master plan to nearly double its area over the next two decades and position it as a world-class centre for wildlife conservation, breeding, and eco-tourism. The plan, reviewed at the state secretariat on Monday, 27 July 2025, was directed for time-bound implementation by Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla.

Scale of the Expansion

According to the master plan covering the period 2026-27 to 2045-46, the safari's footprint will grow from its current 121.99 hectares to 241.86 hectares — an addition of 119.87 hectares. The expanded facility is envisaged to include modern naturalistic animal enclosures, conservation breeding centres, wildlife rescue infrastructure, world-class visitor amenities, and an interactive education centre.

Shukla directed officials to ensure all development aligns with the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), with particular emphasis on animal welfare, habitat-based enclosure design, environmental sustainability, and efficient visitor management.

What the Government Said

'The expansion of the Mukundpur White Tiger Safari is not only important from the tourism perspective but will also provide a new direction to wildlife conservation, biodiversity enhancement, research and public awareness in Madhya Pradesh,' Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla said in a statement.

Shukla further described the safari as a 'unique identity of Madhya Pradesh' and said it should emerge as a nationally recognised centre for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism. He stressed that the master plan must be executed in strict accordance with CZA standards.

Why Mukundpur Matters

The Mukundpur White Tiger Safari holds a singular place in India's conservation history. It was established to preserve the rare white tiger lineage that originated in the erstwhile Rewa princely state — the region where white tigers were first documented in the wild. Inaugurated in 2016, it is India's first dedicated White Tiger Safari.

Beyond its conservation mandate, the facility has functioned as a significant tourist draw and a platform for wildlife education and public awareness, cementing its status as one of Madhya Pradesh's flagship wildlife destinations. This expansion is the most ambitious upgrade since the safari's inception.

Economic and Regional Impact

The project is expected to boost eco-tourism activity and generate employment opportunities across the broader Vindhya region, which has historically lagged behind other parts of Madhya Pradesh in tourism infrastructure. Officials indicated the expansion has been designed to strengthen scientific wildlife management while simultaneously improving the visitor experience.

With the CZA master plan now under active review, the state government is expected to begin phased implementation in the near term, with the full build-out targeted for completion by 2045-46.