Bhopal June 18, 2026

In a move aimed at strengthening tiger habitat management, the Madhya Pradesh Tiger Foundation and Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) signed two agreements in Bhopal this week. The agreements cover conservation work in Satpura Tiger Reserve in Narmadapuram district and Pench Tiger Reserve in Seoni district. The MoUs were signed in the presence of senior forest officials and representatives of WCL. Field directors of both tiger reserves also attended the programme.

Pench and Satpura are among Madhya Pradesh's most important wildlife destinations. Pench is known across the world as the forest that inspired Rudyard Kipling's famous book The Jungle Book. Satpura, meanwhile, is known for its rich biodiversity and unique tourism activities, including walking safaris and canoe rides. Despite their popularity, both reserves face several challenges. Forest officials have been working to improve grasslands, strengthen protection measures and ensure adequate water availability for wildlife, especially during the summer months.

Under the new agreements, WCL will provide financial support for a range of conservation activities. Watchtowers will be constructed to improve forest surveillance. Patrol routes will be upgraded to help frontline staff move quickly and monitor wildlife areas more effectively. The project also includes the installation of solar-powered water pumps. These systems are expected to help maintain water sources inside the forests during periods of extreme heat when natural water availability declines.

Another major focus will be the removal of invasive plant species. Such plants often spread rapidly and reduce the growth of native grasses. Forest teams will replace them with local grass species that provide food for deer and other herbivores. A healthy prey population is considered essential for sustaining tiger numbers in the long run. WCL officials described the initiative as part of the company's corporate social responsibility efforts. They said the programme reflects the company's support for environmental protection and wildlife conservation.

The conservation work is expected to begin in the coming months. Forest officials believe the impact of these efforts will become visible over time through healthier grasslands, improved water availability and stronger wildlife habitats across both tiger reserves. Among those present at the signing ceremony were Pench Field Director Deva Prasad, Satpura Field Director Rakhi Nanda and senior officers of the forest department. WCL was represented by Chairman-cum-Managing Director H.S. Pandey and other senior directors.