Madhya Pradesh announces its 25th wildlife sanctuary, named after Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, spanning 258.64 sq km in Sagar district. A boost for conservation and tourism!
Introduction
In a significant move to honor the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and strengthen wildlife conservation, the Madhya Pradesh government has declared its 25th wildlife sanctuary, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Abhyaran. This sanctuary, located in the North Sagar Forest Division, covers an area of 258.64 square kilometers and is set to be inaugurated on April 14, 2025, coinciding with Ambedkar's 134th birth anniversary.
This development highlights Madhya Pradesh's commitment to biodiversity preservation while also promoting tourism and creating employment opportunities for local communities.
Key Features of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: North Sagar Forest Division, encompassing Banda Tehsil and Shahgarh Forest areas in Sagar district.
Area: Spans 258.64 sq km of reserved forest land.
Significance: Marks the state’s 25th wildlife sanctuary, further solidifying Madhya Pradesh's status as a leader in conservation efforts.
Inauguration Date: April 14, 2025 (Ambedkar Jayanti).
Expected Benefits:
Strengthens the local ecosystem and biodiversity.
Boosts eco-tourism in the region.
Generates employment for nearby communities.
Madhya Pradesh: A Conservation Powerhouse
Madhya Pradesh, often referred to as the "Tiger State of India," is home to an extensive network of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. With nine tiger reserves and now 25 wildlife sanctuaries, the state plays a pivotal role in preserving India's rich biodiversity. Recent additions like the Ratapani and Madhav Tiger Reserves showcase its proactive approach to conservation.
Additionally, two more sanctuaries are expected to be announced by the end of April:
Omkareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (614 sq km) in Dewas and Khandwa districts.
Jahangarh Wildlife Sanctuary (6.32 sq km) in Sheopur district.
Why This Matters for Competitive Exams
For aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, or other competitive exams, this announcement is crucial for current affairs and environment-related topics:
Static GK: Knowledge about India's wildlife sanctuaries and conservation efforts is often tested in exams.
Current Affairs: The inauguration of new sanctuaries like Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Abhyaran is a key topic under "Current Affairs March/April 2025."
Environment & Ecology: Questions on biodiversity hotspots and conservation strategies are common in exams like UPSC Prelims and Mains.
Key Takeaways for Exams
Madhya Pradesh now has 25 wildlife sanctuaries, with Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Abhyaran being the latest addition.
The sanctuary spans 258.64 sq km in Sagar district.
It will be inaugurated on April 14, 2025, marking Ambedkar Jayanti.
Two more sanctuaries—Omkareshwar (614 sq km) and Jahangarh (6.32 sq km)—are expected soon.
The state leads India with its proactive approach to tiger reserves and wildlife conservation.
Conclusion
The establishment of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Wildlife Sanctuary is a testament to Madhya Pradesh’s dedication to honoring historical figures while advancing environmental conservation efforts. It not only enriches the state's biodiversity but also opens new avenues for eco-tourism and local development.
For competitive exam aspirants, this development underscores the importance of staying updated with current affairs related to environment and conservation policies—a topic that remains evergreen across various examinations!
