Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has directed the Forest Department to prepare a concrete plan to expand forest tourism in the state, with a focus on creating employment and additional income opportunities for local communities and tribal families through homestays.
Yadav issued the directions while chairing the 32nd meeting of the Madhya Pradesh State Wildlife Board at the state secretariat. He said the Forest Department should coordinate with the Tourism Department in areas with potential for developing and expanding forest tourism.
Focus on Forest Tourism and Homestays
The chief minister said Madhya Pradesh’s natural resources, biodiversity and wildlife tourism potential could contribute to the state’s economy. He directed officials to ensure that local communities participate in tourism-related activities.
Yadav particularly emphasised promoting homestays, saying they could provide local residents, forest-dwelling communities and tribal families with employment and additional income opportunities within their own areas.
He said greater community participation would also allow visitors to experience local culture and traditions while strengthening rural and tribal economies.
Wildlife Exchange with Other States
Yadav directed officials to maintain continuous coordination with other states and explore the exchange of wildlife species.
He specifically suggested providing tigers from Madhya Pradesh to states such as Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka in exchange for elephants, rhinoceroses and other wildlife, subject to applicable procedures and requirements.
He also directed officials to maintain strict monitoring of any diversion of forest land and prevent illegal mining in forest areas.
29 of 30 Proposals Approved
The meeting considered 30 proposals related to infrastructure development and wildlife conservation in national parks and tiger reserves. Of these, 29 were approved, while one was referred for reconsideration.
The approved proposals included:
- Construction of CC roads in forest villages located around national parks.
- Construction of pucca roads in forest villages within tiger reserves.
- Installation of mobile towers in national parks and tiger reserve areas.
- Construction of sub-health centres.
- Laying of electricity lines and other essential infrastructure.
Yadav directed that development and construction works in forest villages located within or around national parks and tiger reserves should be undertaken after taking local residents into confidence.
Balance Between Development and Conservation
The chief minister said protection of forest resources should remain a priority while maintaining a balance between development and conservation.
He also stressed improving basic facilities for people living in forest areas without adversely affecting forests and wildlife.
Yadav called for a balance between human settlements and wildlife, saying tourism expansion should also ensure participation of local communities.
Centre, State Experts to Join Wildlife Board
The chief minister further directed that senior officials from the Central Government and the state Archaeology Department be included as special invitees to provide expert services to the State Wildlife Board.
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