The Minister for Forest Kunwar Vijay Shah has said that Madhya Pradesh ranks first in the country in terms of number of tigers. As per the Tiger Census 2018, Madhya Pradesh has 526 tigers and maximum tigers are found in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The status of Tiger State, honoured to Madhya Pradesh has enhanced the state’s pride. In the next Tiger Census too, maximum tigers will be found only in Madhya Pradesh. We will have to commit ourselves for the protection of wildlife. The Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah was addressing the state level programme held through virtual platform at Van Vihar National Park on the occasion of International Tiger Day.

In the programme organized online, the Forest Minister said that efforts of rehabilitate tigers in Panna National Park are an excellent example of wildlife management. Congratulating the then Field Director Shrinivas Murthy for his accomplishments, he said that initiative should be taken to honour such a diligent officer with national award. The Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah directed the Principal Secretary Forest to take necessary step in this matter.

Documentary film based on wildlife and other publications released

The Minister for Forest Kunwar Vijay Shah released documentary film based on wildlife, booklets and posters on the occasion. He also presented cash prize of Rs. 7 thousand and certificate to Sushri Shefali Shukla of Gurugram for bagging first position in the quiz competition, organized by the Madhya Pradesh Tiger Foundation Society. The Forest Minister also duly launched the Facebook link focusing Van Vihar National Park.

The Principal Chief Conservator Forest (Wildlife) S.K. Mandal informed about the efforts being made for wildlife management and achievements.

Those who present on the occasion include Principal Secretary Forest Ashok Varnval, Principal Chief Conservator Forest and Head of Forest Force Rajesh Shrivastava as well as other officers. The Field Director of Van Vihar National Park Kamolika Mohanta proposed the vote of thanks on the occasion.