In an attempt to increase tourism in the state, Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has proposed to add fifteen new wildlife sanctuaries to the existing twenty-five. As per the proposal, Balaghat, Sheopur, Mandla, Chhindwara, Shahdol, Dindori, Sagar, Khandwa, Jabalpur, Indore, Seoni and Hoshangabad will be considered as possible locations for the development of the same. 200 hectares of land are to be dedicated to each sanctuary.
The Forest Department and the tourism corporation are collaborating to introduce and sustain increased wildlife activities in the state. It is believed that an investment in wildlife development can generate increased revenues. Currently, the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh provide the state with INR 27 crore in income every year.
In addition to that, District Forest Officers also have the responsibility to scope out areas in their districts where national parks (the state currently has 10) and wildlife sanctuaries can be built.
The state is looking into new avenues of increasing revenue and has shown keen interest in the tourism sector. For this boost in the revenue, wildlife zones have also been proposed in the state.
To add a feather in their cap, Madhya Pradesh has bagged the title of &lsquoTiger State&rsquo as they registered the highest tiger count in the country, providing the mammals a safe environment to thrive.
