Chief Minister Mohan Yadav commended the remarkable efforts of forest officials in reviving wildlife in areas like Panna, where wildlife had once completely disappeared. He stated that this revival reflects their unwavering dedication and deserves high praise.
Yadav highlighted the state's rich natural heritage, noting that Madhya Pradesh is home to diamonds, cheetahs, and now even elephants are making their way to the state. He shared that the forest cover in the state has expanded by 1,063 square kilometers between 2003 and 2021. Additionally, he proudly mentioned that Bhopal is the only capital city in the country where tigers can be easily spotted nearby, marking a significant environmental milestone for the state. The Chief Minister shared these insights while addressing the inaugural session of the two-day Indian Forest Service (IFS) Meet and Forestry Conference at the Pandit Khushilal Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Auditorium. CM Dr. Yadav inaugurated the conference by lighting the lamp and garlanding the statue of Maa Saraswati. Minister of State for Forest and Environment Dilip Ahirwar, Additional Chief Secretary Forest Ashok Barnwal, Principal Chief Forest Conservator and Head of Forest Force Shri Asim Srivastava and other IFS officers were present at the conference. Yadav was welcomed by presenting him a Rudraksha plant.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that such meets are necessary for mutual dialogue, friendship, sharing of experiences and developing a better work culture. Madhya Pradesh has abundant forest wealth and there is immense potential for study and research in many disciplines including archaeology, geology, environment, botany. The Forest Department will have to take initiative to encourage and support studies in these areas. Similarly, activities should also be expanded to promote the tourism sector. He appreciated the forest staff for effectively facing the challenge of displacement of villages in the context of Ratapani. CM Dr. Yadav said that the state government will provide all possible support for the development of forests and conduct of innovative activities.
State Minister for Forest and Environment Dilip Ahirwar said that the forests and wildlife of Madhya Pradesh, rich in natural resources, are our identity. He said that the government is committed to their conservation and development. Many activities and programmes are being run in the state keeping public participation at the centre. State Minister Ahirwar said that the result of the honest and effective initiative taken by the state government for the conservation and development of forests is that along with stability in the forest cover of the state, the efforts made towards the management of wild animals have been appreciated. Minister Ahirwar congratulated the Indian Forest Service officers on this occasion. In the two-day IFS meet, there will be four sessions on the subject of scientific management of forests, joint forest management, welfare of forest dwellers etc. Along with this, sports and cultural programmes will also be organised.
