Bhopal: In a major policy direction blending spirituality with environmental conservation, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has called for the development of sacred areas located within the forests of Madhya Pradesh as “Devlok Forests”. These culturally significant sites, traditionally protected by local communities, hold not only religious and spiritual value but also contribute significantly to biodiversity, ecological balance, and social cohesion.
Presiding over a high-level review meeting of the Forest Department at Samatva Bhavan, Dr. Yadav emphasized that these places should be systematically developed while preserving their ecological sanctity. He directed the department to seek active participation from local communities to protect and maintain such sites.
Tree Plantation Along River Banks and Urban Forest Development
Dr. Yadav stressed the importance of massive tree plantation drives along riverbanks, particularly in forested areas. He instructed officials to target a 5-kilometer radius on both sides of major rivers for this green initiative.
Plantations should focus on utility-based species, including medicinal plants, to support local livelihoods. He further added that local communities should be involved in efforts to remove illegal encroachments along riverbanks to ensure the long-term sustainability of these ecosystems.
In the urban context, the CM directed officials to ensure the proper development and maintenance of city forests, especially as the Indore-Ujjain-Dewas region is being developed into a metropolitan zone. River conservation plans, particularly for the Kshipra River, should be integrated into the region’s urban planning.
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Focus on Aquatic Biodiversity: Relocation of Crocodiles and Gharials
Highlighting the role of aquatic life in maintaining healthy river ecosystems, Dr. Yadav said species like crocodiles, gharials, and turtles are essential for balancing river ecology. He instructed the Forest Department to identify rivers and water bodies where these species are concentrated and relocate them to other water sources, starting with the Narmada and Tawa rivers, to maintain ecological equilibrium across regions.
Other Key Issues Discussed
The review meeting also included discussions on:
- Converting forest villages into revenue villages
- Increasing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for minor forest produce
- Timely distribution of tendu leaf bonuses to tribal and forest-dependent communities
Top forest officials including Additional Chief Secretary Ashok Varnwal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, and Chief of Forest Force V.N. Ambade attended the meeting.
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