Bhopal, Jan 27 (NationPress) The Council of Ministers in Madhya Pradesh has green-lighted several pivotal initiatives aimed at enhancing wildlife conservation, improving irrigation infrastructure, advancing tribal welfare, and creating job opportunities for backward classes.

In a bid to fortify tiger conservation amidst the rising population in buffer zones, the council has allocated Rs 390 crore for the development of these buffer areas across the state's nine tiger reserves over the upcoming five years, spanning from 2026-27 to 2030-31, as stated by the cabinet minister for MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) during a press briefing post-cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

This new initiative encompasses the installation of chain-link fencing in sensitive areas to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, alongside measures for wildlife protection, enhancement of pastures and water sources, fire safety provisions, health check-ups and treatments for animals, and skill development programs for local communities. These efforts are designed to foster a sustainable coexistence between tigers and local inhabitants while improving habitat quality, the minister explained.

In another noteworthy decision for Pachmarhi town, the council has modified the area under the Special Area Development Authority (SADA) from 395.931 hectares to 395.939 hectares, the minister noted.

This land has been classified as revenue land and removed from the Pachmarhi Sanctuary area. The adjustment aims to facilitate urban development, boost tourism, and resolve longstanding restrictions in the hill station, following previous state efforts to clearly define boundaries, he added.

In the irrigation domain, an allocation of Rs 215.47 crore has been sanctioned for two projects under the Tawa Project's Right Bank Canal in Narmadapuram district. The Bagra Branch Canal Irrigation Project has been granted Rs 86.76 crore, aiming to cover 4,200 hectares and benefit 33 villages in Babai and Sohagpur tehsils, the minister further elaborated.

The Pipariya Branch Canal Irrigation Project received Rs 128.71 crore to irrigate 6,000 hectares across 30 villages in Sohagpur tehsil. These initiatives are expected to enhance agricultural productivity and water availability in the region, he mentioned.

The council also approved Rs 17,864.26 crore for the continuation of 17 schemes managed by the Tribal Affairs, Food and Civil Supplies, and Revenue departments from 2026-27 to 2030-31, he noted. This includes Rs 377.26 crore for 15 Tribal Affairs schemes encompassing fee reimbursements, pre-examination coaching, Scout and Guide activities, transportation, health services, and awards.

The Chief Minister's Farmer Crop Procurement Assistance scheme under Food and Civil Supplies has been allocated Rs 15,000 crore, while Rs 2,487 crore has been approved for the construction of tehsil, district, and divisional offices along with residential buildings in the Revenue Department. Furthermore, the council has revised and approved the “Overseas Employment Scheme for Other Backward Classes Youth 2025,” replacing the previous 2022 version.

With a budget of Rs 45 crore over three years, the scheme aims to send 600 backward class youth abroad each year for employment opportunities, promoting skill development and international exposure.