The process of relocating blackbucks and nilgai that are damaging crops in the Shajapur and Shujalpur areas of Madhya Pradesh has begun. On the first day of the campaign, 100 blackbucks were successfully captured from fields in Hannukhedi and Polaikalan, of which 97 were dispatched to Kuno National Park. The overall goal of this project is set to reintroduce a total of 2000 blackbucks.
During this relocation process, the deer were transported to a secure enclosure called Boma using helicopters. From there, they were loaded into special vehicles and sent to Kuno National Park. Regional MLA Ghanshyam Chandrawanshi saw the relocation vehicles depart for Kuno in the presence of local villagers.
However, due to the nature of wildlife and on the advice of experts when the temperature exceeded 29 degrees Celsius on Saturday afternoon, the rescue operation was halted. According to Nodal Officer Dr. Kiran Bisen, this campaign will resume at the same location on October 11.
This high-level international campaign includes 14 experts from 'Conservation Solutions' of South Africa. Additionally, a joint team of about 200 members, comprising wildlife veterinarians, forest officers, police, and administrative staff from various districts of Madhya Pradesh including the Malwa region and Bhopal, is managing the entire process.
It is noteworthy that in the first phase conducted last year, 846 blackbucks and 67 nilgai, totaling 913 wild animals, were safely relocated. Based on the experiences of the first phase, the arrangements have been further strengthened this time.
During the campaign, Hannukhedi and nearby villagers displayed commendable restraint and cooperation. Villagers did not enter the fields and kept their domestic dogs tied up. The Forest Department has requested the general public to maintain distance from the fields during this campaign, which runs until October 31, avoid unnecessary gatherings, and fully adhere to safety guidelines, so that both farmers' crops and wildlife remain safe.