Madhya Pradesh Forms Task Force to Combat Organised Forest Crime

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has approved the formation of a state-level task force to deal with organised forest crime, officials announced. The task force, modelled on the existing State Tiger Strike Force, will focus on controlling illegal activities such as poaching, logging, and wildlife trafficking in the state's forests.

Mr. Yadav, who also holds the forest portfolio, reviewed the work of the department late Thursday and directed the creation of the task force. He also approved setting up a command and control centre for the protection of forests and wildlife.

In a separate development, the Chief Minister said that the Andhra Pradesh government has requested tigers and gaurs from Madhya Pradesh. He instructed officials to start the transfer process and explore the possibility of receiving wild dogs or other wildlife species from Andhra Pradesh in exchange.

Similarly, the Rajasthan government has agreed to provide Great Indian Bustards, a critically endangered bird species. Mr. Yadav directed that these birds be obtained and introduced in Madhya Pradesh to boost conservation efforts.

To promote forest tourism, the Chief Minister ordered an expansion of activities, including increasing the number of safari vehicles. He emphasised the need to prioritise forest area expansion, plantation, conservation of natural resources, and involvement of local communities in accordance with their traditions.

Meanwhile, authorities plan to transfer one male and one female cheetah from Kuno National Park to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, which already houses three cheetahs in large enclosures. Preparations are also under way to ready Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Sagar district as a third home for cheetahs, following their reintroduction in the country in September 2022.

These steps underscore the state's commitment to tackling organised forest crime while enhancing wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism.