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MP Expands Wildlife Buffer Zones, Launches Snakebite Training in Villages

The Madhya Pradesh Wildlife Board, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, has approved the expansion of buffer zones in the Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary and Sanjay Tiger Reserve. A key initiative involves training at least two individuals per Gram Panchayat in safe snake handling and first aid to reduce snakebite fatalities. The board also greenlit a major wildlife exchange program with Assam, which will bring wild buffaloes, rhinos, and king cobras to MP in return for tigers, crocodiles, and gaur. Furthermore, the Chief Minister directed efforts to promote wildlife tourism, enhance research, and ensure conservation of archaeological sites within forests.

Key Points: MP Wildlife Board Approves Buffer Zone Expansion & Snake Handling Training

  • Buffer zones expanded in Bagdara & Sanjay reserves
  • Village snake handling training camps approved
  • Wildlife exchange with Assam includes buffaloes & rhinos
  • Promotion of wildlife tourism & research emphasized
2 min read

Madhya Pradesh Wildlife Board clears buffer zone expansion in two protected areas

Madhya Pradesh approves buffer zone expansion in two protected areas and a village-level snake handling training program to reduce fatalities and promote coexistence.

"At least two individuals in every Gram Panchayat should be trained in safe snake handling - Chief Minister Mohan Yadav"

Bhopal, Feb 16

The Madhya Pradesh Wildlife Board on Monday approved several key proposals, including the expansion of buffer zones in Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary and Sanjay Tiger Reserve, both located in the Vindhya region of the state.

The MPWB's meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, also approved a proposal to organise camps in villages to provide necessary training to villagers in snake handling and preliminary assistance.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister stated that at least two individuals in each Gram Panchayat should be trained in safe snake handling and in providing initial assistance in snakebite cases.

"At least two individuals in every Gram Panchayat should be trained in safe snake handling and in providing preliminary assistance to victims to reduce fatalities from snakebite incidents. The authorities should also organise awareness campaigns on snake-related precautions to save lives," he said in a statement.

Mohan Yadav said that sustained conservation efforts have led to an increase in wildlife populations across the state. He emphasised the need to promote human-wildlife coexistence by creating public awareness and educating citizens about necessary precautions.

He directed the Forest Department to coordinate with the Tourism Department to actively promote wildlife tourism in Madhya Pradesh.

He also called for adopting best practices and innovations in wildlife management from other states. The Chief Minister emphasised the need to involve universities and institutions in advancing research on forests and wildlife.

The Chief Minister directed that proper conservation arrangements be ensured for archaeological heritage sites located in forest areas and suggested organising joint workshops involving the Forest Department, Archaeology Department, and related institutions.

Meanwhile, it was also informed that under the wildlife exchange programme, 50 wild buffaloes from Assam will be brought to Madhya Pradesh in three groups over a period of three years, along with a pair of rhinos and king cobras.

In return, Madhya Pradesh will provide tigers, crocodiles, and gaur to Assam.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While the intent is good, I hope the buffer zone expansion doesn't lead to displacement of local communities or restrict their traditional access to forest resources. Coexistence means considering both wildlife AND people. The training initiatives are welcome though.
A
Aman W
The wildlife exchange program is fascinating! Bringing wild buffaloes and rhinos to MP? Hope our climate and habitat suit them. MP is truly becoming a wildlife powerhouse. Tiger tourism can get a big boost if managed responsibly.
S
Sarah B
Training two people per panchayat in snake handling is a genuinely life-saving measure. Snakebites are a major rural health crisis that doesn't get enough attention. This proactive approach from the forest department is commendable.
V
Vikram M
Promoting wildlife tourism is good for the economy, but please ensure it's eco-sensitive tourism. We don't want overcrowded parks and stressed animals. The focus on research with universities is the right long-term strategy.
K
Kriti O
King cobras too? That's ambitious! Hope the forest department has the expertise to handle such dangerous species in the exchange. Overall, a comprehensive meeting agenda. The link between archaeology and forests is an interesting point.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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