Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): For the second time, the Directorate of Aviation has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) for empanelment of a Robinson R44/R66 helicopter to assist in translocation of Blue Bull (Nilgai) and Blackbuck from Shajapur district. These animals will be relocated to Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, respectively. The deadline for proposal submission is March 19. This fresh EOI follows an earlier one floated on January 28, but the process was not finalised. As per the conditions, selected service provider must deploy a single-engine Robinson R44/R66 chopper and commence operations within 15 days of receiving the award letter.
Moreover, two certified pilots must be on board for the operation. The move comes amid rising concern from farmers in Shajapur, who have repeatedly highlighted crop destruction caused by the growing population of Blue Bull and Blackbuck. Their translocation aims to address this issue while simultaneously boosting the prey base in Kuno and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. Significantly, Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary is being prepared to host the next batch of cheetahs in the near future, making this wildlife relocation crucial for ecological balance.
Blue bull issue in House
The issue of Blue Bulls posing a serious threat to crops and even human safety was recently raised by Congress members in the state assembly. They highlighted that the problem is not just confined to Mandsaur but has spread statewide, with their population reaching lakhs. Apart from crop destruction, road accidents involving Blue Bulls have also surged. In response, the government assured the opposition that steps would be taken to tackle this escalating crisis.
