Shajapur/Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on October 28 inspected the second phase of a blackbuck rescue and relocation operation at Ranthambhor village in Shajapur district. He reviewed the progress of the campaign and the arrangements being made by forest and district administration officials to transport the animals safely.
During the visit, the Chief Minister observed the rescue operation using the boma method, in which animals are guided into an enclosed capture area. The operation involves the use of helicopters and camouflaged observation platforms, according to the state government’s account.
Yadav said the initiative aims to protect wildlife while addressing concerns about crop damage caused by wild animals, particularly blackbucks and nilgai. The state has brought in a specialised team from Africa to assist with the operation.
Around 1,236 Blackbucks Captured for Relocation
According to the Chief Minister, approximately 1,236 blackbucks have been captured so far as part of the campaign. The animals are being moved to designated forest areas, including:
- Forests in Sheopur district
- Gandhi Sagar
- Rani Durgavati Reserve Forest
The operation is intended to relocate the animals while minimising the risk of injury during capture, handling and transportation.
Yadav said the arrangements include specialised equipment, veterinary support and measures to ensure that the animals are transported safely.
Helicopter-Assisted Boma Method Used in Rescue
The Chief Minister described the operation as the first of its kind in South Asia to use helicopters in a wildlife rescue campaign based on the boma method.
The technique uses a guided approach to move animals into a designated enclosure, allowing them to be captured and handled for relocation. According to the state government’s account, the operation is being conducted with assistance from a specialised African team.
The use of helicopters forms part of the arrangements for the campaign. Forest officials and other administrative personnel are involved in coordinating the rescue and relocation process.
Eleven Trucks Arranged for Safe Transportation
Yadav said 11 trucks had been arranged to transport the captured blackbucks. The transportation arrangements also include veterinarians and necessary equipment to support the animals’ safe movement.
The Chief Minister reviewed the arrangements with officials at the site and acknowledged the work of the forest department and administrative teams involved in the operation.
He expressed hope that the experience gained through the project could encourage other states and countries to consider similar methods, depending on their wildlife management requirements.
Balancing Wildlife Protection With Farmers’ Interests
The relocation drive is being undertaken amid concerns about crop damage caused by wild animals in agricultural areas. Yadav said the government’s objective was to safeguard both wildlife and farmers’ crops.
He linked the initiative to the state’s Kisan Kalyan Varsh, or Year of Farmer Welfare, saying that the government was focusing on farmers’ interests alongside nature and wildlife conservation.
The operation is intended to address the issue through the relocation of blackbucks to designated forest areas rather than allowing the conflict between wildlife and agricultural activity to continue unchecked.
State Government Highlights Conservation Efforts
During his visit, the Chief Minister praised the forest department and the administrative teams involved in the campaign. He also referred to the government’s wider priorities, including farmer welfare, employment opportunities for young people and the conservation of nature and wildlife.
The current phase of the operation is focused on completing the capture and relocation process with appropriate handling and transportation arrangements. The campaign’s progress will determine the next steps in the effort to manage wildlife movement while protecting agricultural interests.
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