Maharashtra govt approves setting up of breeding centres for otters, vultures

The Maharashtra government has approved the establishment of breeding centers for otters, vultures, and wild buffaloes in an effort to conserve rare wildlife species in the state.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized the importance of prioritizing the protection and conservation of rare species during a meeting of the state wildlife board.

He also directed the effective implementation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Paid Maa Ke Naam’ campaign for planting trees in mother’s name across all municipal corporations, municipalities, schools, and colleges in the state.

Shinde approved the proposal to set up breeding centers for otters in Pench Tiger Reserve, vultures in Nashik, and wild buffalos in Gadchiroli. He expressed confidence that these centers will play a crucial role in protecting and conserving rare wildlife species.

The chief minister also directed the initiation of a ‘clinic on wheels’ program to extend the benefits of the Gopinath Munde Shetkari Apaghat Vima, an accident insurance scheme for farmers, to farm laborers who die of snakebites and to ensure timely treatment for snakebite victims. Additionally, it was decided that the forest department would employ a family member of persons killed in wild animal attacks as a forest laborer.

Shinde also emphasized the need to ensure widespread implementation of the ‘Ek Paid Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and set a target to plant bamboo on 10 lakh hectares across the state.

He instructed the forest department to focus on conserving rare plant species and directed the department to set up a research and development center in the Jawali forest in Satara district, which is home to 500 rare plant species.

The chief minister also approved four development projects in protected areas, environmentally sensitive zones, and tiger tourism routes.