MP govt plans to double Mukundpur White Tiger Safari area
Bhopal, July 27
Madhya Pradesh has unveiled an ambitious plan to nearly double the area of the Mukundpur White Tiger Safari in Rewa district over the next two decades, with the state government aiming to transform it into a world-class wildlife conservation, breeding and eco-tourism hub.
Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla in a statement on Monday said the plan was reviewed at the state secretariat. He directed officials to implement the project in a time-bound manner in accordance with the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA).
"The expansion of the Mukundpur White Tiger Safari is not only important from the tourism perspective but will also provide a new direction to wildlife conservation, biodiversity enhancement, research and public awareness in Madhya Pradesh," Shukla said.
According to the master plan prepared for the period 2026-27 to 2045-46, the safari will be expanded from its existing area of 121.99 hectares to 241.86 hectares by adding another 119.87 hectares.
The expansion plan envisages the creation of modern naturalistic animal enclosures, conservation breeding centres, wildlife rescue facilities, world-class visitor amenities, and an interactive education centre to promote awareness about wildlife and nature conservation.
Shukla said the Mukundpur White Tiger Safari is a unique identity of Madhya Pradesh and should emerge as a nationally recognised centre for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.
He stressed that the master plan must be implemented in accordance with CZA standards, with special emphasis on animal welfare, habitat-based enclosure design, environmental sustainability and efficient visitor management.
He added that the project has been designed to strengthen scientific wildlife management while improving the overall visitor experience. It is also expected to boost eco-tourism and generate employment opportunities in the Vindhya region.
Mukundpur White Tiger Safari occupies a special place in India's wildlife conservation efforts as it was established to preserve the rare white tiger lineage that originated in the erstwhile Rewa princely state. Inaugurated in 2016, the safari is India's first dedicated White Tiger Safari.
Besides being a major tourist attraction, it plays an important role in conservation breeding, wildlife education and public awareness, making it one of Madhya Pradesh's flagship wildlife destinations.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great initiative! But I hope they don't forget about the local communities around Rewa. The safari should employ locals as guides, caretakers, and in conservation efforts. Also, let's make sure the breeding program has enough genetic diversity - inbreeding is a real concern with white tigers.
As someone from Rewa, this makes me proud. But honestly, 20 years is too long a timeline. We need faster action on conservation. Also, why not include more native species like leopards and bears in the expansion? White tigers are beautiful but a balanced ecosystem matters more.
This is wonderful for conservation! I visited the Mukundpur safari last year and was impressed by the dedication of the staff. The interactive education centre sounds amazing - it could really help raise awareness among young Indians. Just hope the expansion doesn't harm the natural habitat of other wildlife in the area.
Nice to see MP investing in eco-tourism. But I hope the 'world-class visitor amenities' don't mean concrete buildings everywhere. Keep it sustainable - use local materials, rainwater harvesting, solar power. And please, no loud music or bright lights that stress the animals. Basic wildlife ethics matter.
Impressive plan! White tigers are a rare genetic variant and preserving their lineage is important. The breeding centre could also serve as a model for other Indian zoos. However, I'd urge transparency - let the public see progress reports and conservation data regularly.
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