On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the establishment of India’s 58th Tiger Reserve and Madhya Pradesh’s ninth, emphasising the government's dedication to wildlife protection and environmental conservation. Taking to X, Prime Minister Modi wrote, “Amazing news for wildlife lovers! India is blessed with wildlife diversity and a culture that celebrates wildlife. We will always be at the forefront of protecting animals and contributing to a sustainable planet.”

He also reposted a message from Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, who praised the establishment of the new Tiger Reserve.

“58th roar and counting! With historic emphasis laid on restoring the ecological diversity on planet Earth by PM Shri Narendra Modi ji, India continues to make great strides in environmental protection and wildlife conservation,” Yadav penned. “Thrilled to announce that the country has added the 58th Tiger Reserve to its tally, with the latest entrant being Madhya Pradesh’s Madhav Tiger Reserve. This is MP’s 9th Tiger Reserve,” he continued.

Yadav praised the dedicated efforts of the forest officials and said, “I congratulate all wildlife lovers and conservationists. The development is a testament to the relentless efforts of our forest officials who are selflessly working towards the cause.”

The newly established Madhav Tiger Reserve is in the Shivpuri district within the Gwalior-Chambal region. It spans 1,751 square kilometres, including a core area of 375 square kilometres and a buffer zone of 1,276 square kilometres. On Wednesday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav reaffirmed the state's dedication to wildlife conservation.

“Madhya Pradesh has not only retained the title of ‘Tiger State’ for having the highest number of tigers but is also taking progressive steps in the wildlife and tourism sector. With the addition of Madhav National Park, we now have nine Tiger Reserves in the state,” Chief Minister Yadav said. He also applauded the people of Madhya Pradesh, describing it as a proud moment for the state. The newly established Madhav Tiger Reserve comes after the recent recognition of Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary, situated between the Bhopal and Raisen districts, as the state's eighth Tiger Reserve.