A tiger near Khitauli village of Katni district in the buffer zone of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve’s Khitauli range, Madhya Pradesh. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday in-principle approved the development of buffer zones in the State’s nine tiger reserves, the government said.
The in-principle approval of the new scheme, ‘Development of Buffer Zones in Tiger Reserves’, with a total budget outlay of ₹145 crore for the financial years 2025-26 and 2027-28, came at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
As part of the scheme, chain-link fencing will be installed in the ecologically sensitive buffer areas, apart from developing grasslands and water resources.
“Key activities under the scheme include the installation of chain-link fencing in ecologically sensitive buffer areas, the implementation of wildlife protection and fire safety measures, the development of grasslands and water sources, health monitoring and treatment of wild animals, and skill development training programs for local communities,” the State government said in a statement.
Inaugurated on March 10, Madhav National Park is the State’s ninth tiger reserve.
“Notably, the tiger population in buffer zones surrounding Madhya Pradesh’s 9 tiger reserves has increased from 526 to 785 over the past four years, underlining the importance of continued conservation efforts,” the government said.
Published – April 22, 2025 07:20 pm IST