Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The State Wildlife Board has approved creation of Sonewani Conservation Reserve in Balaghat, recognising the region’s rich wildlife presence.
The move comes after political resistance to declaring the area a wildlife sanctuary, particularly from former minister Gaurishankar Bisen. To balance conservation with local concern, the state opted for a conservation reserve status instead.
Meanwhile, the proposal to set up a sanctuary near Indore and Barwah was deferred and will be discussed in the next board meeting. Local residents have been pushing for its creation.
The board also discussed a recent elephant attack in Shahdol, which killed three villagers. It was decided that elephants involved in multiple human fatalities should be domesticated.
Another key discussion was about Sone River's gharial project. As gharials are rarely spotted across much of its 200 km stretch, a proposal was mooted to reduce the protected area, aiming to improve focus and curb illegal sand mining. The State Wildlife Board also cleared the proposal to form Tapti Conservation Reserve.
Boost for Balaghat
Sonewani Conservation Reserve approved in Balaghat due to high wildlife density.
Proposal for Indore-Barwah sanctuary deferred; locals demand inclusion.
Elephant conflict in Shahdol discussed; domesticating killer elephants suggested.
Gharial project area on Sone River may be reduced due to low sightings.
