Shajapur, Oct 28 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday inspected the blackbuck and nilgai rescue operation being carried out by the state Forest Department with the help of experts from South Africa in Shajapur district.
His government is ensuring that both crops and the wildlife are protected, he said, speaking to reporters in Ranthbhanwar.
The operation, which began on October 9, will continue till October 31 with a target to relocate 2,000 blackbucks.
“During the Farmer Welfare Year, efforts are being made to protect farmers’ crops from damage caused by wild animals, especially blackbuck and nilgai, as well as to ensure the protection of wildlife,” the CM said.
To deal with the problems faced by farmers in Shajapur district, the rescue operation using the ‘Boma’ method was launched. Wild animals like blackbucks and nilgai are captured and shifted to protected forest areas with the assistance of a team from South Africa, Yadav said.
The Boma method, which is popular in South Africa, involves luring animals using helicopters, tracking them, and herding them into a pen.
Special care is taken to ensure that animals are not harmed during the operation, Yadav said.
At least 1,236 blackbucks and nilgai have been safely rescued from Shajapur district so far and transported to designated forest areas in Sheopur, Gandhi Sagar and Rani Durgavati Forest Sanctuary, he said.
Eleven trucks have been arranged for this purpose besides veterinarians, necessary equipment and other facilities needed for safe transportation, Yadav said.
This helicopter-assisted wildlife rescue operation was the first of its kind in South Asia, the chief minister said.
(PTI News)
