Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The state Forest Department is planning to deploy a Robinson helicopter this October to catch and translocate black bucks from Shajapur to Kuno National Park. If needed, some animals may also be shifted to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary to strengthen the prey base for cheetahs.
The move comes after the aviation department empanelled the single-engine Robinson chopper, which the forest department now intends to rent for at least 10 days. Officials said no final date has been fixed yet, but the operation is expected to begin in October.
Shajapur has witnessed a sharp rise in black buck population, which has become a serious concern for local farmers. The animals, often seen in herds, enter agricultural fields, feed on standing crops, and even damage potato fields by digging with their hooves. This issue has been raised in the state assembly, with BJP MLA Arun Bhimawad stating that Kalapipal constituency has the highest density of black bucks.
Additional PCCF (Wildlife) L Krishnamurthy said that the helicopter operation is likely to start in October. The forest department earlier tried to rent the chopper through its own tenders, but there were no takers. With the aviation department’s help, it has now found a private firm ready to lease the aircraft.
Copter mission
Forest dept plans to use Robinson helicopter to shift black bucks from Shajapur.
Surging black buck numbers have become a major nuisance for farmers.
Bucks to be relocated to serve as prey base in Kuno, Gandhi Sagar.
Aviation department helped secure the helicopter after failed forest dept tenders.
