Madhya Pradesh: Government Set To Roll Out Eco-Sensitive Plans For 8 Parks

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Madhya Pradesh is poised to become first state in country to implement master plans for Ecosensitive Zones (ESZs) around eight national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

The plans, prepared by the MP Tourism Board (MPTB), are ready and awaiting approval from a high-powered committee comprising Additional Chief Secretary- and Principal Secretary-level representatives from the forest, tourism, environment and town and country planning departments.

The parks and sanctuaries covered under these master plans include Ghugwa Fossil National Park (Dindori), Satpura, Pench and Bandhavgarh National Parks, along with Panpatha, Son Gharial, Bagdara and Sanjay Dubri Wildlife Sanctuaries. Once the committee grants approval, the plans will be notified in the state gazette, paving the way for on-ground implementation.

Meanwhile, the notification process for Panna National Park and Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary has begun, with tenders already floated to appoint consultants for preparing their master plans.

Due to proposed changes in boundaries of Rani Durgawati National Park and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, their respective plans may be redrawn, said MPTB Joint Director (Planning) Prashant Baghel.

Baghel said that ecosensitive zones act as buffers between wildlife habitats and human settlements. The master plans focus on conserving vegetation and water bodies while ensuring that residents in these zones continue to have access to basic facilities. The plans also aim to promote responsible and sustainable wildlife tourism.

The ESZs will be governed by activity classificationsópermitted, promoted and regulated. Notably, no commercial construction, including hotels and resorts, will be allowed within 1 km of the forest boundary. The number of tourists allowed will also be kept within the carrying capacity of each park or sanctuary, Baghel said.

Green growth

8 ESZ master plans ready for national parks and sanctuaries

MP first state to move towards implementing ESZ plans

No hotels/resorts allowed within 1 km of forest areas

Tourist limits to match parkís carrying capacity