Madhya Pradesh has not only gained the status of Tiger State but also topped in the country for effective management of its national parks and protected areas. The Chief Minister Kamal Nath has congratulated the Directors of the National Parks and their field staff.

The Pench Tiger Reserve scored highest rank in the country while the Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Sanjay and Satpura Tiger reserves have been considered the best managed tiger reserves, according to the latest report of Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves 2018, released by the Government of India. These national parks have adopted unique management plans and innovative methods.

The data related to effective management is required by national and international organisations to take policy decisions on conservation of wildlife.

The data is kept in the world conservation monitoring centre of the United Nations Environment Programme.

The management strengths of the tiger reserves are assessed on parameters like planning, monitoring, vigilance, surveillance staffing pattern, their training, human-wildlife conflict management, community involvement, conservation and anti-poaching measures

etc.

The management of Pench Tiger reserve has been judged as outstanding in the country.

The frontline staff has been found excellent and energetic. All cases filed under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 are found to be effectively pursued to punish accused.

In cases of human-tiger and tiger-animal conflict, the cattle owners are being given monetary relief immediately along with support from World Wildlife Fund of India.

Regular Charwaha Sammelan (gathering of cattle grazers) are being organized and study material is being distributed to the school going children of the cattle grazers.

Besides, regular meetings of village level committees, tourists’ guides, vehicle owners, resort owners, managers and representatives of concerning departments and NGOs also take place on a regular basis.

One third of proceeds from tourism are given to the village committees.

As a result they have extended fullest support to creation of buffer zone.

The receipts from tourism go the Park Development Fund and are used in a better way.

Similarly, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has effectively revived eco development committees using the funds generated by tiger tourism.

Effective habitat recovery programme has also been carried out for development of waterholes and maintenance of grasslands.

Keeping in view human-wildlife conflicts, a system has been put in place for quick delivery of relief and ex-gratia payment in case of cattle and human deaths and injuries.