Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has directed officials to initiate proper branding of Madhya Pradesh’s rich floral and fauna biodiversity to promote the state globally. Chairing the 30th meeting of the State Wildlife Board, the CM emphasised showcasing the ease of wildlife sightings and natural wealth of MP through short films and documentaries in collaboration with national and international platforms like Discovery Channel and Films Division.

 

He suggested that states receiving tigers from MP, Odisha, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, should also share their native species in return, including efforts to bring the one-horned rhinoceros from Assam. The CM also proposed preparations to release aquatic species such as crocodiles, turtles, gharials, and dolphins into the State’s rivers. Key approvals included 17.14 hectares of forest land in the Satpura-Melghat corridor for

 

NH works, and smaller allocations in Raisen for road and building projects. A proposal for creating new conservation reserves near Panna, Bandhavgarh, and Balaghat was also discussed. The forest department launched an AI-based ‘Gajrakhshak’ mobile app to reduce human-elephant conflict by providing real-time alerts to villagers. “Elephant Mitra” groups and GPS collaring are also being used in sensitive areas. The board reported successful breeding activity in the Chambal Sanctuary with over 160 hatchlings of gharials.

 

The newly notified Jahanagarh Sanctuary became the state’s 26th wildlife sanctuary. In a major anti-poaching operation, seven people were arrested in Sheopur for illegal trade of tiger and leopard parts. Officials highlighted the state’s growing wildlife infrastructure, including rescue squads, dog units, and new wildlife transport vehicles, and emphasised continued co-ordination to protect and promote MP’s unique biodiversity.