‘Not number but where tigers thrive matters'
Adding to the complexity are rapid diversions of forest land for non-forest use, encroachments into key corridors, and the mounting pressures of climate change. In this context, P Naveen spoke with additional principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), MP, L Krishnamurthy. In a candid discussion, he outlined the department's focus areas — from strengthening corridors and improving habitats to using technology and empowering communities — and shared his vision for the state's tiger conservation journey. Excerpts from the interview…
How many are too many? When it comes to tiger numbers in the state, what is Madhya Pradesh's target population?
n We can't fix the numbers.
The department is focusing on consolidating the landscape through protection, habitat management, corridor management, and community engagement in wildlife conservation. That said, we still have some tiger reserves and forest areas, like the proposed Omkareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, where more tigers can be supported. The main focus is on landscape consolidation rather than chasing a specific number.
How many tigers can Madhya Pradesh realistically support without leading to excessive human-wildlife conflict?
n Tiger numbers can be estimated based on the ecological carrying capacity of each tiger reserve and protected area.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Unsold 2021 Cars Now Almost Free - Prices May Surprise You
Unsold Cars | Search Ads
Learn More
Undo
However, it's equally important to consider the social carrying capacity — that is, the willingness and ability of communities to coexist with large carnivores. Our goal is to keep tiger populations connected through functional corridors, which helps reduce conflict in and around tiger reserves.
What plans are in place to manage the tiger population as it approaches the state's ecological carrying capacity?
n Under the leadership of the chief minister, we have expanded our network of protected areas by adding new tiger reserves and sanctuaries.
We've also developed comprehensive strategies including the State Wildlife Action Plan, a State Elephant Management Plan, and the use of Artificial Intelligence in wildlife monitoring and conflict reduction. We're also promoting ecotourism, creating livelihood opportunities, and running awareness programs.
Each tiger reserve has a Tiger Conservation Plan, and protected areas are governed by detailed management plans.
The State of India's Environment 2025 report by CSE states that Madhya Pradesh has diverted the highest amount of forest land (38,553 hectares) for non-forest use. How much of this diversion occurred within designated tiger corridors or ecologically sensitive zones?
n In cases where land is diverted from within corridor areas, we receive equivalent revenue land under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) provisions. Additionally, mitigation measures are implemented to ensure that wildlife movement is not disrupted, following the recommendations of the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) and the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL). The proportion of land diverted from within Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs) and tiger corridors is a small fraction of the total—excluding Panna, where we've taken a landscape-level approach with the Greater Panna Landscape Management Plan.
Stay updated with the latest local news from your
city
on
Times of India
(TOI). Check upcoming
bank holidays
,
public holidays
, and current
gold rates
and
silver prices
in your area.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
SEIAA launches helpline for environmental clearance queries
Jaipur: The State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) Wednesday introduced a dedicated helpline to provide quick, transparent assistance on environmental clearance (EC) queries for project proponents and environmental consultants. The service, available on +91 141 3500181, operates Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, excluding govt holidays. A senior official said, "It will offer immediate updates on proposal status, EC procedures and other related matters, reducing the need for physical visits to the SEIAA office in Jaipur. The initiative aims to streamline processes and improve efficiency in environmental governance." Parallel to this development, the forest, environment and climate change department has outlined measures to accelerate the delivery of govt schemes and facilities to displaced families, resolve pending land transfer cases and advance wildlife conservation projects. The department has prioritised the settlement of khatedari (land ownership) rights for land allotted to displaced families, enabling them to access govt schemes and essential services. Administrative officials in Alwar, Sawai Madhopur, Kota, Jhalawar, and Bundi have been directed to clear all such cases at the earliest. "Pending matters related to budget announcements are to be implemented without delay. Coordination between the forest department and local administrations will be strengthened to ensure that state-run schemes reach every eligible beneficiary. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top Free Live TV Apps [Watch Free] miszen Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola Approvals and related files for these schemes are to be processed and forwarded promptly," added the official. Wildlife infrastructure is also set for rapid development. Expansion and completion of biological parks in Rajasthan, including the remaining works at Abhera Biological Park in Kota and Marudhara Biological Park in Bikaner, have been placed on priority. The department aims to improve facilities in protected wildlife areas while addressing human-wildlife conflict through awareness programmes in nearby communities. These decisions were formalised during a review meeting attended by senior officials of the forest department, district-level forest officers, and district administration representatives. The meeting also recognised ongoing efforts by local administrations and departmental staff in supporting displaced families and managing conservation challenges. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
Nowhere to sit: Commuters raise concerns over lack of seating at Yellow Line stations in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Despite the fanfare surrounding the launch of the much-anticipated Yellow Line, a key concern continues to plague commuters — that of inadequate seating arrangements at Metro stations. Commuters say with long wait times between trains and swelling crowds during peak hours, lack of proper seating arrangement poses significant discomfort, especially for elderly passengers and those with health conditions. In a reality check by TOI, many stations have no benches, forcing commuters to stand for extended periods or lean against pillars as the trains run at 25-minute intervals. People were seen sitting on slabs around the pillars. Bommasandra, Ragigguda, Electronic City, Silk Board, and other stations don't have seats. Pradeep Ramareddy, 37, travelling from Bommasandra to RV Road, said: "Even this morning, I noticed how heavily crowded the trains were. Without proper seating arrangements, travelling becomes extremely tiring, especially at the end of a long workday. The platforms don't have any seats, so people are left standing for the entire wait. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wildlife Cameras Capture The Unthinkable Ohi Blog Undo This isn't a Yellow Line–only issue. Other Metro stations face more or less the same problem — the crowd is simply too large for the facilities available. We understand the service is still in the initial phase and officials are trying their best, but this is a basic need and should be fixed at the earliest." You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Gold Rates Today in Bengaluru | Silver Rates Today in Bengaluru Sulochana S, 62, who was travelling from Jayadeva Hospital to RV Road Metro stations, shared her experience as she was waiting for 20 minutes for a train. She said: "On Wednesday morning, a passenger who himself looked very tired gave me his seat on the slab next to the pillar. I was really grateful. But honestly, seats should be arranged, which is something basic. How can elderly people like me manage otherwise? Standing for long periods, both on the platform and inside the train, is simply not possible at this age. " Shreya Raghavendra, a 26-year-old travelling from Electronics City to Jayadeva Hospital, said: "I reached early today, so I managed to find a slab near a pillar to sit on, but that's just luck. Many who came after me had no choice but to stand. Since the trains take a long time to arrive, people end up perching wherever they can — on ledges, stairs, even near the pillars — while others just stand helplessly." For first-time users, it's a shock that wasn't expected. Hamsini Bhat V, a 20-year-old student and first-time user of the Yellow Line at RV Road Metro station, said: "When I first entered the Metro station, I looked at the wait time. Luckily, it was only 5 minutes. I searched for benches; they were full, and most of the crowd was standing." Another first-time user, Samrudha Varshini, a 21-year-old student, said: "It already took them years to construct the line, and it's sad that they forgot something so basic and simple. The crowd is also very large, it's high time the govt acts on this." KK Sudha Mai, 50, travelling from Jayadeva Hospital to Konanakunte Cross, had to wait for 18 minutes for the train. She said: "I was tired of standing, so when I searched for chairs, there were none. At least in other Metro stations, there were a few. I still can't understand how something important is left unnoticed by officials." BMRCL officials maintained that such teething problems would be addressed soon. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
Protests erupt at ABC centre over stray dog pick-ups
1 2 Chandigarh: The Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre at Raipur Kalan turned into a protest site on Tuesday as residents from Sector 7 raised alarm over the Municipal Corporation's (MC) alleged removal of sterilized stray dogs from their locality. The centre is currently handling operations after the temporary closure of the Sector 38-West facility for renovation. Residents claimed that MC vans picked up dogs already sterilized, identifiable by notched ears. "When I asked the drivers where they were taking the dogs, they said they had orders but offered no explanation," said Veena Rajput, a local resident. The protest follows a recent Supreme Court directive for Delhi-NCR authorities to confine street dogs and expand shelter capacity within eight weeks. Locals fear this may lead to indiscriminate removal of healthy, sterilized dogs. Yogita Kumari, an NGO worker from Mohali, alleged that even dogs under medical care were taken. "They just want to wipe them all out," said Neeru Saharan, whose dog undergoing treatment was picked up. When residents tried to enter the Raipur Kalan facility to check on the dogs, they were stopped by security. SPCA supervisor Sourav Sharma confirmed that MC had instructed staff not to allow visitors. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Take a spoonful on an empty stomach and watch the fat go down the drain gofitlifeguide Click Here Undo By evening, the protest intensified with residents holding placards reading "No Relocation" and "Sterilization is the Way," alongside candlelight vigils and Indian flags. MC officials did not respond to calls for comment. However, an internal source stated that the pick-ups were part of routine action targeting unhealthy or aggressive dogs, often flagged by residents themselves. At the heart of the issue is a lack of transparency. While authorities insist removals are based on health and safety concerns, residents allege that sterilized and non-aggressive dogs are being taken without justification. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
