Overview
- The state cabinet approved a Rs 390 crore programme to develop buffer areas across nine tiger reserves from 2026–27 to 2030–31.
- Planned works include chain-link fencing in sensitive stretches, habitat and water-source development, fire safety measures, wildlife health care, and skill building for nearby communities.
- Unnamed sources reported roughly 500 km of fencing with an initial 52 km prioritized in Kanha, Ratapani, Pench, Sanjay-Dubri, and Bandhavgarh, though these specifics have not been formally published.
- Ministers also reclassified 395.939 hectares in Pachmarhi as revenue nazul land outside the sanctuary.
- Alongside the conservation package, the cabinet sanctioned Rs 215.47 crore for two Tawa Right Bank Canal projects, approved Rs 17,864.26 crore to continue 17 schemes, and allocated Rs 45 crore for an overseas job programme targeting 600 OBC youth annually.