Bhopal: 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 organizations 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.
The Kanha Tiger Reserve has adopted unique management strategies. The Kanha Pench wildlife movement corridor is India’s first such corridor. This corridor is managed collectively by local communities, government departments, research institutions and citizen organizations. The park management has also set up a primary health centre in the premises of the forest department office complex, which caters to the staff of the forest department and the villagers from the vicinity.
Panna Tiger Reserve has grabbed global attention in respect of raising tiger population. Beginning from zero it has now 52 tigers including cubs and adults. It is a unique example in India’s wildlife conservation history. Forty two villages from Satpura National Park, Pachmarhi Sanctuary and Bori Sanctuary of Satpura Tiger Reserve have been successfully relocated to the other places. The solar pumps and solar lamps are effectively being used here.