CM Mohan Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh, home to 9 tiger reserves takes pride in being known as the ‘Tiger State’. The population of tigers and other wildlife continues to increase steadily and the state has emerged as a model for effective wildlife conservation and management practices. Local community participation is also being encouraged in wildlife conservation efforts, which are simultaneously strengthening the ecosystem and boosting tourism in the state.
CM Mohan Yadav was addressing the state-level programme on International Tiger Day at Kushabhau Thakre Convention Center in Bhopal. He inaugurated the event by Deep-Prajjwalan and extended greetings to the people on the occasion of Nag Panchami.
CM Mohan Yadav inaugurated 3 wildlife transportation vehicles, 3 wildlife medical vehicles and 2 dog squad rescue vehicles. He also reviewed the advanced facilities available in these vehicles.
Tireless Efforts of Forest Personnel’s Boost MP’s Forests and Wildlife
CM Mohan Yadav praised the tireless efforts of forest personnel, noting that their dedication has led to the expansion of forest cover and an increase in wildlife numbers. He highlighted that Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a model of coexistence between tigers and humans. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the state has successfully reintroduced cheetahs, and Ratapani has been designated as the eighth tiger reserve of the state. Plans are also underway to develop zoos and wildlife rescue centres in Ujjain and Jabalpur. These will go beyond traditional zoos and serve as dedicated centers for wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.
CM Mohan Yadav emphasised that India is home to more tigers than any other country in the world—and Madhya Pradesh proudly leads among Indian states. He referred to the creation of both Ratapani and Madhav Tiger Reserves, and announced that tiger safaris will be launched in buffer zones of existing reserves.
Community Participation
CM Mohan Yadav inaugurated a special exhibition focused on wildlife conservation. Women from tribal regions tied rakhi to the Chief Minister and displayed their locally produced items. CM Dr. Yadav created a tiger replica mold at the ‘Bagh Dev’ stall, a part of Pench Tiger Reserve’s campaign to engage communities in tiger conservation, , expressing his wish for an increase in tiger numbers.
Book Releases and ‘Gaj-Rakshak’ App Launched
CM Mohan Yadav released the Hindi edition of the State Wildlife Management Plan 2023–2043, a manual on cheetah sedation and management, a report based on the outcomes of a workshop on future wildlife management, a book developed by Pench Tiger Reserve and a vulture census report. He also unveiled a dossier on elephant identification developed by Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, a special postal cover released by the Department of Posts on the occasion of International Tiger Day and a poster focusing on wild owl species.
Additionally, CM Mohan Yadav launched the ‘Gaj-Rakshak’ mobile app, designed to mitigate human-elephant conflict.
Wildlife Films and Documentaries
Teaser trailers of various wildlife documentaries were released. These included A film by Pench Tiger Reserve on ‘Tiger Management through Local Community Participation’, ‘Mrityunjay’, developed by Kanha Tiger Reserve, A documentary titled ‘Satpura: Past, Present and Future’, focused on Satpura Tiger Reserve, and ‘Abode of Cheetahs’, centered on cheetah reintroduction efforts.
Honours for Excellence in Wildlife Conservation
CM Mohan Yadav presented awards to individuals and teams for their outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation. Those honoured, included Members of the Crime Investigation Team lauded by INTERPOL for bringing an international tiger poacher to justice, Wildlife managers responsible for the successful care and conservation of cheetahs from South Africa, Smt. Shobha Jaware, Director, School of Wildlife Forensics & Health, Jabalpur, for contributions to wildlife health monitoring and cheetah care, Ms. Shubhi Jain, Forest Ranger, Madhav Tiger Reserve, for tiger rehabilitation, Shri Mahavir Singh Pandey, Forest Ranger, Sanjay Tiger Reserve, for contributions to village relocation, Shri Maniram Mahavat, Satpura Tiger Reserve, for tiger monitoring and gaur reintroduction, Shri Dinesh Singh Kushwaha, Forest Guard, Mandsaur, for continuous cheetah tracking and protection, Shri Ramsuresh Verma (Satna) and Shri Rampal Prajapati (Panna Tiger Reserve), for wildlife rescue, Mirchibadi Eco Development Committee, Pench Tiger Reserve, for reducing human-wildlife conflict and supporting village development, Shri Gulab Singh Uikey, Mahout at Kanha, for contributions to wildlife relocation and Shri Hriday Maskole, a security staff member from Pench, for his role in rural development and enhancing tourist services
Madhya Pradesh Leads in Wildlife Innovation: Minister Shri Ahirwar
Minister of State for Forests and Environment Shri Dilip Singh Ahirwar said that ‘Satpura Tiger Reserve’ has contributed significantly to India’s international reputation in wildlife conservation. Madhya Pradesh leads in the population of tigers, cheetahs, vultures and wolves. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, innovative initiatives like vulture census and conservation programs for multiple species are being implemented across the state.
The event was attended by MLA Shri Rameshwar Sharma, Municipal Corporation Chairperson Shri Kishan Suryavanshi, Shri Ravindra Yati, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest) Shri Ashok Barnwal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri Aseem Srivastava, members of forest protection committees, eco-development committees, village forest committees, and officials and staff from the Forest Department.