Jabalpur, November 2, 2025
Marking the 70th Foundation Day of Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced the creation of the Omkareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, calling it a historic step toward strengthening wildlife protection, eco-tourism, and rural employment. The announcement was made during the ‘Abhyuday Madhya Pradesh’ program, where Dr. Yadav described the sanctuary as a major ecological and developmental milestone for the state.
The Omkareshwar Sanctuary, the 27th in Madhya Pradesh, will span 611.753 square kilometers, encompassing parts of Khandwa (343.274 sq km) and Dewas (268.479 sq km) forest divisions. The submergence zone of the Omkareshwar dam has been excluded to protect the livelihood of local fishermen and nearby villages.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav emphasized that the sanctuary will serve as a new habitat for tigers, along with other existing species such as leopards, bears, hyenas, sambar, and chital. “Our goal is to protect the state’s rich natural heritage while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities,” he said.
Wild Buffaloes and Rhinos to Arrive from Assam
Plans are underway to introduce wild buffaloes and Indian rhinos from Assam into the new sanctuary. Dr. Yadav highlighted that Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a leader in biodiversity conservation, citing the successful reintroduction of cheetahs and the upcoming release of more cheetahs from Namibia into the Nauradehi Sanctuary.
Structure and Geography of the Sanctuary
As per the Forest Department’s plan, the sanctuary will include forest ranges such as Punasa, Mundi, Chandgarh, and Baldi (Khandwa Division) and Satwas, Kantaphod, Punjapura, and Udaynagar (Dewas Division). The area does not include any revenue or forest villages, ensuring minimal human displacement.
A Sanctuary of 52 Islands
The Omkareshwar Sanctuary encompasses 52 scenic islands — 31 in the Mundi range and 21 in Chandgarh range. Notably, Boriyamal and Jalchauki Dhatikotla will be developed as eco-tourism centers, promoting sustainable travel and wildlife education.
Flora and Fauna
The region’s lush vegetation includes teak (sagon), salai, and dhawda trees. Key carnivores found here are tigers, leopards, sloth bears, jackals, and hyenas, while herbivores include peacocks, chital, sambar, chinkara, porcupines, rabbits, and monkeys.
Eco-Tourism and Rural Prosperity
The Omkareshwar Sanctuary aims to become a model of eco-balanced development by promoting environmental conservation, tourism, and rural progress. Planned activities include the establishment of eco-resorts and lodges, poultry and livestock farms, minor forest produce collection, road development, riverbank protection, and solid waste management.
Dr. Yadav stated that eco-tourism will generate both direct and indirect employment for locals, boosting the economy of nearby villages such as Andharwadi, Chikitikhal, Sirkia, Bhetkheda, Punasa, and Narmadanagar. Increased tourist inflow will foster cultural exchange and promote traditional cuisine, crafts, and religious heritage, enriching the region’s social and economic fabric.
“With Omkareshwar Sanctuary,” Dr. Yadav remarked, “Madhya Pradesh is not only expanding its biodiversity legacy but also creating a self-sustaining model of rural eco-tourism, where conservation, culture, and community development go hand in hand.”
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