Shajapur Black Buck Relocation Drive Gets CM Yadav's Review

Bhopal/Shajapur, October 28: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday reviewed the second stage of the black buck relocation drive in Shajapur district. He described the campaign as a step towards protecting both wild animals and agricultural produce.

Yadav visited Ranthambhavar village to see the work on the ground. He assessed the pace of the capture operation and the facilities put in place by the forest department and district administration for catching and rehabilitating the animals.

The drive is based on the boma method, which involves herding animals into enclosures with the help of a specialised team from Africa. Officials said the entire exercise is being supported by helicopters.

Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said the government wants to secure wildlife while also protecting the fields of farmers. He stressed that every precaution is being taken so that the black bucks are captured safely and remain unhurt.

So far, about 1,236 black bucks have been caught. They are expected to be relocated to forest reserves including Sheopur, Gandhi Sagar and Rani Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary.

The campaign is linked to the state's decision to name 2026 'Kisan Kalyan Varsh'. Crop losses from wild animals, particularly black bucks and nilgai, have been made a central issue in the project.

Yadav noted that 11 trucks, staffed with veterinarians and the required equipment, have been arranged to shift the animals safely.

Calling the effort unprecedented, he claimed that wildlife rescue using helicopters and the boma method is being carried out for the first time in South Asia.

He congratulated the forest department team and expressed hope that the project's success would motivate other states and countries to adopt the same method.

The Chief Minister also spoke about the government's initiatives for farmers, employment opportunities for youth, and the conservation of nature and wildlife.

According to the government, the aim of the campaign is to reduce crop damage caused by wild animals and to take them safely to appropriate habitats.