Madhya Pradesh’s Council of Ministers has given the green light to various crucial measures focusing on wildlife preservation, irrigation infrastructure enhancement, tribal welfare, and job opportunities for marginalized groups. The council has allocated Rs 390 crore for the development of buffer areas around the state’s nine tiger reserves over the next five years to bolster tiger conservation efforts amidst a rising population in buffer zones.
To address human-wildlife conflicts and promote sustainable coexistence, the new scheme entails chain-link fencing in sensitive zones, wildlife protection initiatives, pasture and water source development, fire safety measures, animal health services, and skill development programs for local communities. These steps aim to improve habitat quality and foster harmony between tigers and nearby residents.
In a significant decision concerning Pachmarhi town, the council has revised the area under the Special Area Development Authority (SADA) to facilitate urban development, tourism promotion, and the resolution of longstanding issues in the hill station. Additionally, Rs 215.47 crore has been sanctioned for two projects under the Tawa Project’s Right Bank Canal in Narmadapuram district, with the aim of enhancing agricultural productivity and water availability in the region.
Furthermore, the council has approved a substantial amount of Rs 17,864.26 crore for the continuation of 17 schemes by the Tribal Affairs, Food and Civil Supplies, and Revenue departments from 2026-27 to 2030-31. This funding includes support for various Tribal Affairs schemes, the Chief Minister’s Farmer Crop Procurement Assistance scheme, and infrastructure development projects in the Revenue Department. Moreover, the council has endorsed the revised “Overseas Employment Scheme for Other Backward Classes Youth 2025,” with a budget of Rs 45 crore over three years to facilitate employment opportunities and skill development for backward class youth.
