Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that the forests and wildlife of Madhya Pradesh, rich in natural resources, are a vital part of the state's identity. The government is dedicated to their conservation and promotion. The state could have maintained stable forest cover while implementing innovative approaches to wildlife management Due to effective and sincere efforts.
Yadav highlighted the Forest Department's crucial role in rural development and also noted significant changes in forest management over the past two decades. The demand for forest produce has surpassed its availability, increasing biological pressure on resourcesWith population growth. Strict measures are being taken to prevent illegal felling, and private afforestation is being encouraged alongside departmental plantations to bridge the demand-supply gap. To raise awareness about forests and wildlife, approximately 2 lakh people are engaged annually through programmes like Van Mahotsav, Anubhooti, and Wildlife and Conservation Week.
Yadav stated that the 'Buffer-Safar' scheme has introduced new activities for tourists, enabling them to enjoy eco-tourism in the buffer zones of the state's Tiger Reserves. Tourists can explore natural sites, forests, and wildlife, which helps reduce tourism pressure on core areas. Additionally, over 15,000 forest committees have been established in the state, and efforts are underway to make their operations more dynamic. Eco-tourism is expected to boost tourism in the state while promoting conservation.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that efforts have been made to enhance the participation of villagers in forest management by making it more practical and transparent while strengthening the joint forest management system with a legal framework. Madhya Pradesh is the first state in India to transfer net income from forest produce directly to primary forest produce committees. This initiative safeguards the interests of forest dwellers and prevents exploitation by middlemen, ensuring fair benefits for the community.
Chief Minister stated that part of the net income from forest produce is being utilized to develop infrastructure. Madhya Pradesh is among leading states to fix a support price for forest produce, ensuring that forest dwellers receive fair compensation. Additionally, forest dwellers are now involved in processing forest produce, enabling them to earn based on the quality of their collection. This initiative not only ensures better income but also generates additional employment opportunities through processing activities.
The Chief Minister informed that Madhya Pradesh's forest cover has increased by 1,063 square kilometers, and the state leads in implementing the Nagar-Van Yojana, with 39 Nagar-Vans approved this year. Cultural forests are being developed in Ujjain, Chitrakoot, Khajuraho, and Bhopal. The auction of forest produce has transitioned to an e-system in all timber depots. Under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, the Forest Department has planted approximately 6.16 crore saplings. Additionally, against the target of collecting 16.09 lakh standard bags of tendu leaves, 16.68 lakh bags were collected, with Rs 667.20 crore distributed as remuneration to tendu leaf collectors.