In a major step toward strengthening forest conservation and wildlife security, the Madhya Pradesh Government has approved the formation of a State-level task force to tackle organised forest crime. The decision was taken during a review meeting of the Forest Department chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, who also holds the Forest portfolio. Officials said the proposed unit will function on the lines of the State Tiger Strike Force and will focus on preventing illegal activities such as wildlife trafficking, timber smuggling, and organised forest-related offences. Alongside the task force, the Chief Minister has also approved the establishment of a command and control centre aimed at improving monitoring, coordination, and protection of forests and wildlife across the state.

The move comes as Madhya Pradesh continues to strengthen its position as one of India's leading wildlife conservation states, home to a significant population of tigers, leopards, cheetahs, and other protected species.

Focus on Wildlife Protection

During the review meeting, the Chief Minister directed officials to enhance surveillance and improve coordination among agencies involved in forest protection. The proposed command and control centre is expected to support real-time monitoring and quicker responses to incidents involving poaching, illegal logging, and wildlife crime.

Officials stated that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize forest governance and strengthen enforcement mechanisms in ecologically sensitive regions.

The Chief Minister also reviewed ongoing wildlife conservation efforts and discussed plans for inter-state wildlife exchanges aimed at improving biodiversity management.

Animal Exchange and Cheetah Expansion

According to government officials, the Andhra Pradesh Government has requested tigers and gaurs from Madhya Pradesh. The Chief Minister directed the Forest Department to initiate the transfer process and explore the possibility of receiving wild dogs or other wildlife species in return.

The state is also preparing to receive Great Indian Bustards from Rajasthan as part of conservation efforts. Authorities have been instructed to facilitate the introduction of the critically endangered bird species into suitable habitats within Madhya Pradesh.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway to shift one male and one female cheetah from Kuno National Park to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary already houses three cheetahs in large enclosures and is being developed as an additional habitat under India's cheetah reintroduction programme.

Boost to Eco-Tourism

The Chief Minister emphasized the need to expand forest tourism across Madhya Pradesh. He directed officials to increase safari vehicle capacity and develop tourism infrastructure to attract more visitors to wildlife destinations.

Officials believe eco-tourism has significant potential to generate employment and support local economies while promoting wildlife conservation. The government has also instructed the Forest Department to focus on afforestation, natural resource conservation, and community participation in forest management.

Local communities are expected to play a greater role in future conservation initiatives, with authorities emphasizing traditional knowledge and sustainable practices.

Future Conservation Plans

The state is simultaneously working to prepare Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Sagar district as another potential habitat for cheetahs. The reserve is being considered as the third major cheetah landscape in India following the species' reintroduction in 2022.

With the creation of a dedicated forest crime task force, expansion of wildlife habitats, and greater investment in eco-tourism, Madhya Pradesh aims to strengthen both conservation efforts and sustainable development. Officials say the new measures will enhance wildlife protection while creating long-term ecological and economic benefits for the state.