Rajasthan and MP Join Forces to Boost Wildlife Tourism

Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma and MP CM Mohan Yadav propose collaboration to allow wildlife, like cheetahs and tigers, to roam freely between their states, enhancing tourism. They suggest developing tourism circuits and a large national park to attract visitors. Officials are exploring ambitious projects to facilitate these initiatives.

On Sunday, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma advocated for a cooperative effort with Madhya Pradesh to permit the cheetahs of Kuno National Park (KNP) to roam freely into Rajasthan, a move aimed at enhancing tourism. His counterpart from Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, supported the idea, emphasizing that wildlife does not adhere to human-imposed borders. Addressing an event in Bhopal, Yadav noted that similar cooperation could allow tigers from Ranthambore National Park to enter Madhya Pradesh.

KNP, located in MP's Sheopur district bordering Rajasthan, has already seen its cheetahs venture into the neighboring state. Sharma highlighted that Baran district in Rajasthan, adjacent to KNP, often receives these cheetahs due to the quality grass. He proposed developing forested patches in the Chambal area, shared by both states, to boost tourism.

The Rajasthan CM also discussed with Yadav plans to develop the 'Krishna Path,' marking the journey of Lord Krishna through MP and Rajasthan. They envision a corridor between Khatu Shyam in Rajasthan and Ujjain to promote religious tourism. Yadav mentioned that cheetah management requires substantial financial investment and collaboration. Officials revealed ongoing discussions about creating a large national park combining forests from both states while noting the success of the Cheetah Reintroduction Project at KNP.