Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Board meeting concluded under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Raipur: The 16th meeting of the Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Board was held today on Friday February 13, 2026 at the Chief Minister’s residence office under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
After discussing the compliance report of the 15th meeting and the new agenda items, it was agreed to forward the proposals to the National Wildlife Board for decision.
Chief Minister Sai stated that wildlife is an invaluable asset of our nature and collective efforts are essential for their conservation and promotion. He emphasised the need for continuous monitoring, prevention of illegal activities, and promotion of public participation for wildlife protection.
He also stressed the need to increase awareness among villagers living near forests and ensure the active role of youth. Adopting the principle of minimum intervention, the Chief Minister also emphasised that only essential works should be completed without disturbing the natural habitat of wildlife.
He talked about conducting all activities in accordance with the principles of co-existence.
The meeting approved the formation of the Standing Committee of the Chhattisgarh State Board for Wildlife.
The Standing Committee will be chaired by the Minister of Forest and Climate Change, and will include 11 other members. It is noteworthy that the opinion of the State Board for Wildlife is mandatory on proposals for work in areas important for wildlife.
The long gap between Board meetings causes delays in the approval of proposals. The formation of the Standing Committee will help in the speedy disposal of statutory approvals and the early resolution of issues related to wildlife management.
In the meeting, proposals related to renovation and new works of dam and canals in Barbandha reservoir under Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, strengthening of road from Pandripani Main Road to Sauru in Kawardha Forest Division of Kabirdham district under PM Janman Yojana, 6 proposals related to laying of optical fibre in Guru Ghasidas National Park area, laying of optical fibre in Semarsot Sanctuary, establishment of CRPF camp in Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve and laying of optical fibre in Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve were approved and consent was given to send them for approval to National Wildlife Board.
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, MLA Dharmjeet Singh, Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel, Additional Chief Secretary Richa Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief of Forest Force V. Srinivas Rao, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Arun Kumar Pandey along with other members of the Board and officers were present in the program.
