To mark the 134th birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the Madhya Pradesh government has notified its 25th wildlife sanctuary, naming it Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in Sagar district, this new protected area underscores both a tribute to Ambedkar’s legacy and a commitment to biodiversity conservation.
Key Highlights
Location & Extent:
- Situated in the North Sagar Forest Division (Banda & Shahgarh tehsils), Sagar district
- Covers 258.64 sq km of reserved forest
Purpose & Tribute:
- Honors Dr B.R. Ambedkar—“father of the Constitution”—on his birth anniversary
- Aligns environmental protection with social empowerment
Conservation Goals:
- Protect local flora and fauna in dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and scrub habitats
- Strengthen the region’s food chain and overall forest health
Eco-Tourism & Livelihoods:
- Expected to boost eco-tourism in Bundelkhand
- Create employment in tourism, forest management, and allied services
Ecological Importance & Key Species
Ecological Transition Zone:
- Sits between the Vindhyan highlands and Gangetic plains, fostering high biodiversity
Notable Fauna:
- Mammals: Chinkara (Indian gazelle), Nilgai (blue bull), hyenas, jackals
- Birds & Reptiles: Various grassland and scrub specialists
Biodiversity Surveys:
- Ongoing species inventories by forest experts
- Data to inform management plans and protection protocols
Bundelkhand & MP’s Conservation Landscape
Madhya Pradesh – “Tiger State of India”:
- Hosts 12 national parks and now 25 wildlife sanctuaries
- Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Wildlife Sanctuary adds to MP’s leadership in protected-area coverage
- MP has prominent tiger reserves like Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench, and now strengthens its ecological portfolio with this new sanctuary.
Legal Framework & Next Steps
Legislation:
- Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Implementation Actions:
- Demarcation of sanctuary boundaries
- Appointment of dedicated forest staff
- Finalization of eco-development and tourism management plans