BHOPAL: In a landmark conservation move, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has granted in-principle approval for the designation of Madhav National Park in Shivpuri district as a Tiger Reserve. This is set to make Madhav the 9th tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh, with an official notification from the state government now pending.
The approval was granted by the NTCA’s Technical Committee on Sunday, which also sanctioned the release of one male and one female tiger into the park. “This conservation initiative by the Government of Madhya Pradesh will strengthen wildlife management in Madhav and Kuno National Parks, while also bringing ecotourism benefits to local communities and aiding in regional development,” said L Krishnamurthy, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife).
The proposed Tiger Reserve will span 1,751 square kilometers, including a 375-square-kilometer core area and a 1,276-square-kilometer buffer zone. “The development of Madhav as a Tiger Reserve is an important milestone in the state’s ongoing commitment to tiger conservation,” Krishnamurthy added.
Madhav National Park has made significant strides in tiger conservation. After a successful breeding program, the park welcomed tiger cubs in September 2024, marking a historic moment in its restoration efforts. It was a major success for tiger restoration efforts. The birth of cubs signifies that the park’s reintroduction program is on the right track, and officers are now optimistic about establishing a thriving tiger population in Madhav.
Following the success of the initial tiger reintroductions, the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department is moving forward with the second phase, which includes introducing additional tigers from Bandhavgarh, Kanha, or Sanjay-Dubri National Parks. The second phase of reintroductions will build on the success of the first phase and is critical to ensuring the long-term viability of Madhav as a tiger reserve, said another forest official involved in the project.
This initiative is part of a long-term plan to expand the Madhav Tiger Reserve into a sprawling 1,600-square-kilometer area within five years. Additionally, a tiger safari is set to be developed within the next year on 100 hectares, with an estimated infrastructure cost of Rs 20 crore. “This will provide not only conservation benefits but also an economic boost to the local community through ecotourism,” stated a government spokesperson.
The park’s tiger conservation journey dates back to the 1980s, and after several decades of gradual restoration efforts, including the introduction of tigers in the early 1990s, Madhav is on the cusp of becoming a key player in the region’s tiger conservation.
As Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had been instrumental in pushing for the reintroduction of tigers into Madhav National Park, advocating for the transformation of the park into a Tiger Reserve. Additionally, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav had played a pivotal role in ensuring that the necessary support and approvals were secured from the central government, facilitating the success of the initiative.
With the NTCA’s approval, the stage is set for Madhav National Park to take its place as one of India’s leading tiger conservation hotspots. Meanwhile Madhya Pradesh government yet to notify Ratapani wildlife sanctuary will be 8th tiger reserve despite awaiting government notification. NTCA had accorded in-principle approval for declaring Ratapani wildlife sanctuary as a tiger reserve way back in August, 2008. Political leaders operating mines close to Ratapani area are said to be blocking the notification.
