MP likely to get 15 new wildlife sanctuaries in the near future

Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has proposed to develop 15 new wildlife sanctuaries in the state in a bid to promote tourism in this region. As per the news reports, the state government is looking for new ways to generate revenue and is now giving special on the tourism sector.

Currently, the Forest Department is playing a prominent role along with the tourism corporation to provide more tourism activities in forest areas. The department has proposed the state government to set up 12 wildlife sanctuaries in different locations. Also, District Forest Officers have been asked to go ahead and identify areas in their districts where parks and wildlife sanctuaries can be developed.
As of now, the Forest Department has directed to allocate 200 ha land for each sanctuary. At present, the state has 25 sanctuaries and 10 national parks, which generates around INR 27 crore every year to the government. If everything goes as planned, the latest developments aims to increase the revenue by INR 200 crores from tourism activities. Also, in order to boost revenue from tourism, new wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife environmental zones have been proposed.
Madhya Pradesh recently grabbed the tag of Tiger State, for registering highest tiger count in India, and also for proving to be the safest home for tiger and other animals. Now, efforts are being made to develop more wildlife sanctuaries in the state.
As per the proposal, wildlife sanctuaries are being planned in districts like Balaghat, Sheopur, Mandla, Chhindwara, Shahdol, Dindori, Sagar, Khandwa, Jabalpur, Indore, Seoni and Hoshangabad. There are also plans to develop Ratapani and Mandhata (Shivpuri) as national parks.