CM Yadav announces creation of Omkareshwar Sanctuary on Foundation Day:To span 611 sq km across Khandwa and Dewas; submerged area excluded

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced the creation of the Omkareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday, marking a historic environmental move for Madhya Pradesh. Speaking at the Abhyuday program on the occasion of the state’s Foundation Day in Bhopal, CM Yadav said the sanctuary will span across 611 sq km, covering parts of Khandwa and Dewas districts, with the submergence area excluded from its boundaries. Wild buffalo and rhinos to be brought from Assam The Chief Minister also announced plans to bring wild buffaloes and rhinoceroses from Assam to enrich the state’s wildlife diversity. Earlier, during his visit to Narmadanagar in Khandwa on October 30, CM Yadav had hinted at the sanctuary’s formation while releasing six crocodiles into the Narmada River. Dream realized after 39 years Nearly 39 years after approval for the Indira Sagar Dam, the long-pending Omkareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary project is finally set to become a reality. The proposal, which had been awaiting clearance at the government level, faced multiple delays due to objections and compliance with central parameters. Although it was nearly cleared five years ago, the Kalisindh Link Project had caused another postponement. CM released crocodiles before announcement On Thursday, CM Yadav released six crocodiles (two males and four females) into the backwaters of the Indira Sagar Dam, transported from Van Vihar, Bhopal.
He stated, “Madhya Pradesh is the cradle of rivers, and every living being here has freedom. After the successful reintroduction of cheetahs, we will soon release Namibia’s cheetahs in the Nauradehi Sanctuary. These crocodiles will play a vital role in maintaining the aquatic balance of River Narmada.” Sanctuary to include forest divisions of Khandwa and Dewas According to officials, the proposed sanctuary will include: Out of the total 283,773.23 hectares of forest in Khandwa, around 61,407.09 hectares are designated for the sanctuary. The proposal had been pending for four years at the state level. No settlements within sanctuary; 52 islands to be included DFO Rakesh Kumar Damor confirmed that no revenue or forest villages fall within the proposed sanctuary limits. The area includes 52 islands, such as the Boriyamal (158.69 ha) and Jalchauki Dharikotla (396.72 ha) eco-tourism zones. Currently, over 110 leopards are active within the area. In 2017, tigers were also spotted here, indicating rich biodiversity. 20 villages in 2 km buffer zone About 20 villages, including Andharwadi, Sirkia, Damkheda, Pamal Khedi, Nandana, and Narmadanagar, fall within a 2 km radius of the sanctuary. Once notified, these areas are expected to benefit from tourism-related employment and economic opportunities. Flora and Fauna of the sanctuary Proposed activities in the sanctuary Boost to rural employment and ecotourism Formation of the Omkareshwar Sanctuary is expected to generate direct and indirect employment through eco-tourism. Locals will benefit economically and socially through cultural exchange with visiting tourists. Forest area composition