Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts in wildlife conservation, noting significant increases in animal populations across Madhya Pradesh. . Mohan Yadav emphasised the importance of fostering human–wildlife coexistence by raising public awareness and educating citizens about necessary safety precautions. He directed the Forest Department to collaborate with the Tourism Department to actively promote wildlife tourism in the state.
During the 31st Madhya Pradesh State Wildlife Board meeting at Mantralaya, Dr. Yadav also urged the expansion of the ‘Anubhuti’ program, which introduces school students to forests and wildlife, and called for more schools to participate. He highlighted the importance of learning from best practices and innovations in wildlife management from other states and encouraged universities and research institutions to contribute to forest and wildlife studies.
Addressing heritage conservation, Dr. Yadav instructed that archaeological sites in forest areas receive proper protection and proposed joint workshops between the Forest and Archaeology Departments. In response to the increasing elephant population, discussions were held on developing elephant-focused tourism, and Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication suggested article-writing initiatives on elephant management.
वन्यजीव संरक्षण की दिशा में प्रभावी प्रयासों से प्रदेश में वन्यजीवों की संख्या में उल्लेखनीय वृद्धि हुई है।
आज मंत्रालय में राज्य वन्य प्राणी बोर्ड की 31वीं एवं राज्य स्तरीय स्टीयरिंग कमेटी की बैठक में अधिकारियों को आवश्यक निर्देश दिए।
मानव-वन्यजीव सह-अस्तित्व को बढ़ावा देने के… pic.twitter.com/FqDm7cMugV
— Dr Mohan Yadav (@DrMohanYadav51) February 16, 2026
CM Mohan Yadav Directs Snake Safety Training in Gram Panchayats and Inclusion of Indigenous Dogs in MP Wildlife Monitoring
Dr. Mohan Yadav also instructed that two individuals from every Gram Panchayat be trained in safe snake handling and preliminary assistance to snakebite victims, alongside public awareness campaigns. Indigenous dog breeds were recommended for inclusion in the Dog Squad to strengthen wildlife monitoring.
During the meeting, officials reported several achievements: 846 blackbucks and 67 nilgai were successfully reintroduced into Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, and Kuno National Park. Six crocodiles from Van Vihar National Park were released into the Omkareshwar region. One tigress was transferred from Pench Tiger Reserve to Ram Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, under wildlife exchange programs, and Madhya Pradesh will receive 50 wild buffaloes, rhinos, and king cobras from Assam while providing tigers, crocodiles, and gaur in return. The state’s Namibian cheetah Asha gave birth to five healthy cubs, raising the total cheetah population in Madhya Pradesh to 35.
Significant law enforcement milestones were also shared, including the arrest of international tiger smuggler Yangchen Lachungpa by the State Tiger Strike Force and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau near the India–China border in North Sikkim.
The Wildlife Board approved proposals to expand buffer zones in Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary, Sanjay Tiger Reserve, and corridors linking Satpura and Pench Tiger Reserves. Wildlife clearances were also approved for Panna Tiger Reserve, Padma Shri Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar Tiger Reserve, Son Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kuno National Park.
The meeting reaffirmed Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection, eco-tourism, and community engagement, with a focus on sustainable management and citizen participation in preserving the state’s natural heritage.