15 new wildlife sanctuaries proposed in MP
| Date :16-Sep-2019 |
DFOs have been asked to identify area in their districts
There is a separate proposal to develop Ratapani and Mandhata as National Parks
By Ankita Garg :
In a bid to increase tourism activities across Madhya Pradesh, the Forest Department has proposed development of 15 new wildlife sanctuaries in the State. Sources said that the Government is looking for ways to generate revenue with special focus on tourism sector. The Forest Department is playing an important role along with the Tourism Corporation to find more tourism activities in forest areas. The department has proposed the Government to set up 12 wildlife sanctuaries in different locations in coming years. District Forest Officers have been asked to identify possible areas in their districts where wildlife sanctuaries and parks can be developed.
The department has directed at least 200 hectare land for each sanctuary. Currently, Madhya Pradesh has 10 national parks and 25 sanctuaries. It generates revenue of about Rs 27 crore every year to the Government. The proposal aims to increase revenue from tourism activities by Rs 200 crore. With an aim to boost revenue from tourism, new wildlife sanctuaries along with wildlife entertainment zone has been proposed. Initiatve for the same has also been started on ministry level. “Population of herbivores will increase at a greater pace after developing new wildlife sanctuaries. It will also help in better conservation and population of carnivores like tiger, leopard etc.
Efforts are being made to develop more wildlife sanctuaries,” said Additional Principal Chief Conservator, Wildlife, Alok Kumar. District Forest Officers have been asked to identify the area in their districts and send detailed plan to wildlife head office for further forwarding to the Government. Proposal of developing wildlife sanctuaries includes districts like Balaghat, Sheopur, Mandla, Chhindwara, Shahdol, Dindori, Sagar, Khandwa, Jabalpur, Indore, Seoni and Hoshangabad. There is also discussion to develop Ratapani and Mandhata (Shivpuri) as National Parks. A separate proposal for the same has been sent to the Government.