In a significant move towards wildlife conservation and ecological preservation, the Madhya Pradesh government has announced the formation of a new wildlife sanctuary named after Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. The sanctuary, spread across 258.64 sq km in the Sagar district, will be known as Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Abhyaran, a government official confirmed on Friday.
The formal notification was issued just days ahead of the 134th birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar, observed annually on 14 April.
Madhya Pradesh, a state renowned for its rich biodiversity and extensive tiger reserves, now boasts 25 wildlife sanctuaries with the addition of this new protected area.
The newly-declared sanctuary will encompass reserved forest land in the North Sagar forest division, including Banda and Shahgarh tehsils.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, while making the announcement, said the new sanctuary would serve multiple purposes. “The formation of the new sanctuary will bolster conservation efforts and promote forests and wildlife,” he stated. “Besides strengthening the ecosystem, the new sanctuary will boost tourism and generate employment opportunities for locals.”
Madhya Pradesh is often referred to as the “Tiger State of India” and is home to several prominent national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura, and Panna Tiger Reserves. The state also features other well-known sanctuaries such as Gandhi Sagar, Kuno, Bagdara, Sanjay Dubri, Noradehi, and Ghatigaon, each playing a pivotal role in the preservation of flora and fauna native to central India.
Wildlife experts and environmentalists have welcomed the decision, describing it as a forward-looking initiative that marries environmental stewardship with a tribute to a social reformer.
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