Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said the plans are afoot to develop zoos and wildlife rescue centres in Ujjain and Jabalpur.
Such centres will be beyond traditional zoos and serve as dedicated units for wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. Yadav made the statement at the state-level programme on International Tiger Day at Kushabhau Thakre Convention Centre in Bhopal on Tuesday.
MP is to nine tiger reserves and takes pride in being known as the Tiger State, Yadav said. The population of tigers and other wildlife continues to increase steadily and the state has emerged as a model for effective wildlife conservation and management practices, he said.
The participation of locals is also being encouraged in wildlife conservation efforts, which are simultaneously strengthening the ecosystem and boosting tourism in the state, he said. He extended greetings to the people on the occasion of Nag Panchami.
Yadav also inaugurated three wildlife transportation vehicles, three wildlife medical vehicles and two dog squad rescue vehicles. He reviewed the advanced facilities available in these vehicles.
Yadav praised the efforts of forest officials for their dedication that led to the expansion of forest cover and an increase in numbers of wildlife. MP is emerging as a model of coexistence between tigers and humans, he said.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state has successfully reintroduced cheetahs, and designated Ratapani as the eighth tiger reserve of the state.
CM Dr. Yadav emphasised that India is home to more tigers than any other country in the world—and Madhya Pradesh proudly leads among Indian states. He referred to the creation of both Ratapani and Madhav Tiger Reserves, and announced that tiger safaris will be launched in buffer zones of existing reserves.
