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In a landmark move to strengthen environmental conservation and honour a national leader, the Madhya Pradesh government has officially announced the establishment of a new wildlife sanctuary named Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Abhyaran in the Sagar district. Spanning 258.64 square kilometres, the sanctuary was declared just ahead of Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s 134th birth anniversary on April 14, symbolising both ecological commitment and national reverence.
This newly notified sanctuary becomes the 25th in the state, further cementing Madhya Pradesh’s title as the “Tiger State of India”. Known for its rich biodiversity and expansive forest areas, the state plays a crucial role in India’s conservation efforts.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, while addressing the announcement, said, “The formation of the new sanctuary will bolster conservation efforts and promote forests and wildlife.” He added that the initiative will “strengthen the ecosystem, boost tourism, and create employment opportunities for the local population.”
Sanctuary Location and Scope
Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Abhyaran will include portions of reserved forest land in North Sagar Forest Division, covering regions in Banda Tehsil and Shahgarh. This forested region is expected to offer a safe habitat for a variety of flora and fauna while enhancing the ecological health of the area.
Enhancing Madhya Pradesh’s Conservation Network
The new sanctuary adds to an already impressive network of protected areas in Madhya Pradesh, which includes:
• National Chambal Sanctuary:Known for gharials, freshwater dolphins, and rare bird species.
• Pench Wildlife Sanctuary: The inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.
• Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary: Located along the Chambal River, home to leopards, crocodiles, and chinkaras.
• Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary: Recently in the spotlight for hosting African cheetahs as part of India’s rewilding project.
• Panna National Park: Renowned for its success in tiger conservation and rewilding.
The state also houses nine national parks and six tiger reserves, including famous ones like Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Satpura, and Sanjay-Dubri, making Madhya Pradesh a cornerstone of India’s wildlife conservation landscape.
By naming the sanctuary after Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the state not only pays homage to the architect of the Indian Constitution but also sends a powerful message about linking social justice with environmental stewardship. This step reflects a forward-thinking approach that embraces both ecological responsibility and cultural respect.
