Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday instructed forest officers to visit Vantara in Gujarat to explore the possibility of a similar wildlife rescue centre in the state.
The CM voiced his thoughts at a review meeting of the forest department at the Samatva Bhawan of the CM House.
During his recent trip to Gujarat, Yadav visited the Vantara Wildlife Rescue Centre, established by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation, and was impressed by it.
During the forest review meeting, CM said that pattas will be given in forest villages (Van Gram) as well. A survey will be done to provide a patta to those eligible persons who have been left out.
Forest officials posted in Naxal areas to be felicitated
The CM asked the forest department to prepare a proposal for out-of-turn promotions of officials in Naxal-infested areas who have made a significant contribution to forest security. Meanwhile, forest officials posted in Naxal areas will be felicitated with a nutritious food allowance and a special allowance. He added that the department should increase its income resources by expanding dense forest resources and facilities for wildlife. Facilities should be expanded in buffer areas, and the help of specialists sought for it.
‘3 of 5 best tiger reserves in MP’
Additional Chief Secretary Ashok Varnwal said that out of the five best tiger reserves of the country, three are in Madhya Pradesh. A notification has been issued to establish Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Sanctuary in 258.64 square kilometres in the Sagar district. A detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared for the establishment of a Zoo and Rescue Centre in Ujjain and sent to the Central Zoo Authority for approval. Likewise, a DPR is being prepared to establish a Zoo and Rescue Center in Jabalpur. Plans are also afoot to establish a breeding centre for Mahasheer fish, which is on the brink of extinction, in the Narmada river. A breeding centre of tortoise and gharial will be established in the Chambal river. Conservation centres are being established in the Omkareshwar Sanctuary, the Tapti Conservation Reserve, and Sonewani of the Balaghat district.
Increase in forest cover
The forest cover in the state has registered a growth of 1,390 square kms between 2003-2023. On 4.31 lakh hectares, degraded forests have been turned into good forest, the meeting was told.
Health of women, children govt priority: CM
Chief minister Mohan Yadav said health of women and children was state government’s priority. The state is moving forward in the direction of health and nutritional improvement.
The chief minister was holding talks with UNICEF representative to India Cynthia McCaffrey and others at CM House on Friday. Cynthia praised state government’s efforts made for welfare of women and children. The chief minister told her that more efforts were being made to eradicate malnutrition among children. State government is cautious about health of women and children, he added.
