M.P. to form dedicated task force to counter organised forest crime: CM Yadav

The Madhya Pradesh Government will form a State-level task force to deal with organised forest crime with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav approving a proposal, officials have said. 

Mr. Yadav, who also holds the Forest portfolio, reviewed the works of the department late on Thursday (June 18, 2026) and issued directions for the formation of the task force, on the lines of existing State Tiger Strike Force, to control organised forest crime in the state. 

The Chief Minister also approved formation of a command and control centre for the protection of State’s forests and wildlife.

Mr. Yadav said that the Andhra Pradesh Government has sought tigers and gaurs from Madhya Pradesh, and directed officials to initiate the transfer process. 

“He directed officials to initiate necessary action for transferring these animals and to explore possibilities of receiving wild dogs or other wildlife species from Andhra Pradesh in exchange,” a government statement said. 

“Similarly, Government of Rajasthan has agreed to provide Great Indian Bustards. The Chief Minister directed that these birds be obtained and introduced in Madhya Pradesh,” it added. 

Mr. Yadav also issued instructions to expand the forest tourism activities in the State, including increasing the number of safari vehicles to attract more tourists.

“The Chief Minister directed Forest Department officials to prioritise expansion of forest areas, plantation activities, conservation of natural resources and participation of local communities in accordance with their traditions and customs. He said that forest tourism should be expanded rapidly, as the sector offers immense opportunities,” the statement said. 

Meanwhile, the authorities are also planning on transferring one male and one female cheetah to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary from Kuno National Park. The sanctuary, located in Mandsaur and Neemuch districts, already has three cheetahs in its large enclosures. 

Preparations are also underway to ready Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Sagar district as the third home for the cheetahs, since the species reintroduction in the country in September, 2022.