A major push to wildlife conservation and forest management in Madhya Pradesh is set to take shape after Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav approved a series of key proposals during a review meeting of the state Forest Department. The most significant decision involves the release of one male and one female cheetah into the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur district in July. The move is part of the state's ongoing efforts to expand cheetah habitats beyond existing conservation zones and strengthen biodiversity management. Alongside the cheetah project, the government has also proposed setting up a modern Control and Command Center in Bhopal to monitor and prevent forest-related crimes across the state. Officials said the initiatives aim to enhance wildlife protection, improve ecological balance, and ensure better enforcement against illegal activities in forest areas.

According to officials, Madhya Pradesh will also participate in inter-state wildlife exchange programs to support conservation efforts. Under the proposed plan, the state will provide tigers and bison to Andhra Pradesh and receive wild dogs in return.

In another significant biodiversity initiative, the state is working on bringing the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, popularly known as the Son Chidiya, from Rajasthan. The birds are expected to be rehabilitated in Gandhi Sagar and Ghatigaon wildlife sanctuaries to help revive their population in suitable habitats.

Massive Plantation Drive

The Forest Department has set a target of planting 54 million saplings during the upcoming monsoon season. The plantation campaign was officially launched on June 5, coinciding with World Environment Day.

Department records show that 59 million saplings were planted in 2025, while 56.7 million were planted in 2024. Officials believe the annual plantation drives are playing an important role in increasing green cover and supporting long-term environmental sustainability across the state.

Bonus for Tendu Leaf Collectors

The meeting also focused on the welfare of forest-dependent communities. The State Minor Forest Produce Federation informed that around 1.5 million tendu leaf collectors will receive a bonus of ₹710.71 crore within the next one to two months.

Officials said the advance distribution of bonus payments is expected to provide financial support to tribal families and rural communities that depend on forest produce for their livelihoods. The move is also likely to boost local economic activity in forested regions.

Stronger Action Against Forest Crimes

To strengthen forest protection, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav suggested establishing a centralized Control and Command Center at Van Bhavan in Bhopal. The facility will be designed to monitor forest areas, track illegal logging, wildlife poaching, encroachments, and other forest-related offenses through coordinated surveillance and real-time data management.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to constitute a state-level task force dedicated to investigating and tackling forest crimes. According to sources, the proposed system will integrate modern technology and coordinated enforcement mechanisms to improve response times and strengthen conservation efforts.

Madhya Pradesh already holds a leading position in India’s wildlife conservation landscape, particularly in tiger and cheetah management. The introduction of two cheetahs in Gandhi Sagar, plans to rehabilitate the Great Indian Bustard, large-scale afforestation efforts, and the proposed forest crime monitoring center are expected to further strengthen the state's conservation framework. These measures are likely to have long-term benefits for biodiversity, ecological restoration, and the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.