Madhya Pradesh has declared Madhav National Park in Shivpuri as its ninth tiger reserve. This reserve was created in a record time of six months, making it the fastest tiger reserve to be established in the country.
Covering an area of 37,523 hectares, it is now part of the state's efforts to protect wildlife and promote eco-tourism.
Madhav National Park is currently home to three adult tigers and two cubs. Its location is unique as its boundary is close to a city, similar to the Bhopal Tiger Reserve. With the addition of this new reserve, Madhya Pradesh is expanding its network of wildlife conservation areas, creating a larger tourism circuit for visitors.
The government issued an official notification on March 8, and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will inaugurate the reserve in Shivpuri on March 10. On the same day, one tiger each from Bandhavgarh and Kanha Tiger Reserves will be relocated to Madhav National Park to strengthen its tiger population.
The decision to establish the reserve was made on September 8, 2024, in a State Wildlife Board meeting, where Chief Minister Mohan Yadav gave his approval. The central government quickly responded and granted its in-principle approval within a month. Within six months, the reserve was officially declared, making it a remarkable achievement in wildlife conservation.
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With the addition of Madhav National Park, Madhya Pradesh now has nine tiger reserves, including Satpura, Pench, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Sanjay Dubri, Panna, Rani Durgawati, and Ratapani. The new reserve spans 1,751 square kilometers, with a core area of 375 square kilometers and a buffer zone of 1,276 square kilometers.
Originally established in 1956, Madhav National Park is now receiving fresh attention and investment for conservation efforts. The inauguration is scheduled for March 10, which is also the birth anniversary of Madhavrao Scindia, father of Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Madhya Pradesh will also receive increased funding from the central government for tiger conservation.
The new reserve is located near Kuno National Park, where cheetahs have been introduced. With the establishment of Madhav Tiger Reserve, security measures in Kuno will also be strengthened to ensure better protection for both tigers and cheetahs. This new addition reinforces Madhya Pradesh’s status as the leading state in tiger conservation and is expected to boost eco-tourism in the region.
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