Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the Madhav Tiger Reserve in Shivpuri on Monday. The occasion was marked by the release of a tigress into the wild, brought from Panna Tiger Reserve.
The inauguration coincided with the 80th birth anniversary of late Madhav Rao Scindia, former Union Minister and father of Jyotiraditya Scindia. A 13 km protective wall was also dedicated as part of the event.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav called it a “historic day for wildlife”, emphasising that the Chambal belt is now home to significant conservation projects, including India’s first cheetah reintroduction project at Kuno National Park.
“Madhav Tiger Reserve will attract tourists and boost employment. MP already has the highest number of tigers, leopards and other wildlife species,” CM Yadav said. With this, Madhya Pradesh has strengthened its position as a leading state in wildlife conservation, adding to its reputation as the Tiger State of India.
Tigress leaps into wild
As soon as the gate of the cage was lifted, the tigress leaped out, growled for a while, and then sat down, observing its surroundings. Moments later, it dashed into the dense forests of Madhav Tiger Reserve, marking a significant step in wildlife conservation.
Reserve’s revival
On March 10, 2023, three felines—two tigresses and a tiger—were released into the then Madhav National Park. Since then, two cubs have been born, increasing the total feline population to six after the latest tigress release. Another tiger from Pench Tiger Reserve is set to be translocated soon. Once devoid of tigers, Madhav Tiger Reserve is now witnessing a remarkable revival.
