Bhopal, 30 January: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has emphasised the promotion of forest tourism to provide employment and economic empowerment to families living within the state’s forests.
Speaking to reporters during a meeting with Indian Forest Service officers in the capital, Bhopal, the Chief Minister said the government is actively working to create job opportunities through forest tourism. Collaborative efforts with tribal communities aim to increase their sources of income and improve livelihoods.
Chief Minister Yadav highlighted the state’s forest department as one of the best in the country. He noted the department’s significant role in wildlife conservation through projects such as the cheetah reintroduction initiative. Madhya Pradesh, known as the ‘Tiger State’ and ‘Cheetah State’, has recently been honoured with two new tiger reserves within two years. The government also plans to introduce wild buffalo from Assam soon.
He expressed hope that the ongoing efforts to conserve the state’s rich forest resources will continue in the prosperous Madhya Pradesh. In recent years, crocodiles were released in the Narmada River and gharials are scheduled to be released in the Chambal River. The state government is also dedicated to the conservation of various turtle species.
The Chief Minister further stated that elephants have now established permanent habitats in the state alongside tigers. Forest officials are receiving specialised training for elephant conservation. Compared to previous years, there has been a 10% reduction in accidents involving wildlife, with a 90% decrease in related incidents. Efforts will be intensified to improve these outcomes further.
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SNP/AS