Most Magical Wedding Destinations in Wild

If searching for an exotic way of tying the nuptial knots, the resorts and hotels deep inside forests outskirts of national parks of Madhya Pradesh are turning to most magical destinations. 
Taking in to a new trend, the big names in tourism lobby are trying their hand in providing perfect luxurious wedding venues to some of the selected sites across Panna, Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks. With the diversity of its natural settings, they showcases all forms of nature and thus provides enormous options for jungle weddings in India.
As they introduced the magical wedding in the wilderness, the charm is ofcourse however limited to only handful number of riches as the entire affairs needs a huge setup.
It has been noted that tucked away in the outskirts of the National Parks in Madhya Pradesh, Taj Safari chalets namely ‘Mahua Kothi’ in Bandhavgarh, ‘Baghvan’ in Pench, ‘Pashan Garh’ in Panna and ‘Banjaar Tola’ in Kanha are sensitively plugged to their wilder surroundings.
Providing the first of its kind of service was marked in Pushan Garh at Panna National Park earlier this year. According to information, the ceremonies were carried for Jewish wedding. It was Australian journalist Michael Krape’s daughter, Talia Krape (Latin and Bollywood dancer) who married actor beau Jonathan Patrick Moore in that ceremony.
Further, set amidst wilderness, the décor and set-up was predominantly Indian with pre wedding functions including the Mehendi. The bride sat in comfort of the palanquin as she was adorned with henna; guests welcomed and entertained with traditional folk music performances and the bride arrived in a flower decked ‘palki’.
The traditional synagogue was replaced with a jungle setting as the couple exchanged vows under a marigold canopy within the 200 acres of wilderness at Pashan Garh.
It was like some magical dream for them, which was turned true by the hotel staff at Pushan Garh, Panna. Likewise, nowadays, a slow trend is mushrooming among the riches for throwing the best exotic marriage party.
However, while the show must go on for the hotel industry and the big tourism lobby involved through such innovative ideas, things also remain that those who plan for such wedding should be equally responsible for ensuring a safe, clean and peaceful marriage ceremony to keep the nature in its best.

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Elephant Rejuvenation Camp

Taking a leap, the monsoons are here and with it comes the rejuvenating time for nature.
As the grasses rustles to new life and trees take ornamental look, those thriving in wild merry around to the falling droplets.

Significantly, the joys of rain remain same for all forms of life, may it be wild or for those captivated. Thus, turning to be an annual carnival, ‘Elephant Rejuvenating Camps’ are once again knocking the doors of specified Tiger Reserves of Madhya Pradesh, where herds of tuskers are believed to be working as forest departmental force.

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Hi-tech application enhanced working in forestry

As advancement in high tech application has paved ways for many enhanced working system in forestery, a striking habitat fragmentation of tigers can now be easily viewed with the help of Google Earth, based on 3D maps.
This virtual globe helps us understand the magnitude of fragmentation between protected areas, and the possibility or impossibility of mending these disconnects. At present, these tiger reserves provide excellent ecological nuclei totalling around 10,000 sq km in Central India covering Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh for the source population of tigers.
These protected areas support, though fragmented, natural linkages with several other wildlife protected areas in the region, and the connectivity between Kanha and Pench, Kanha and Achanakmar, Kanha and Bhoramdeo, and Pench and Satpura is promising and can be taken up for restoration and conservation.
Speaking over the same, Abheek Ghosh a budget traveller and environmentalist shared, “Connectivity conservation can be used as a tool with ample scope for fostering eco-regional development to complement all the conservation initiatives undertaken so far for protecting and managing source populations of tigers in protected areas.”
To be noted here, the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has made an impressive start with the restoration of the Kanha-Pench corridor and has also involved the expertise of some reputed non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as the World Wide Fund for Nature-India, the Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Wildlife Trust of India, Royal Bank of Scotland, and the Foundation for Ecological Security.
At present, the landscape between Kanha and Pench provides by far the most promising biological linkage. Starting from Kanha, the corridor moves westwards, turns south for some distance and again continues westwards to join the Pench Tiger Reserve.
Talking about the seriousness of forest department towards these corridors, Sartaj Singh, Minister for Forest stated, “The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has already prepared an excellent and ambitious management plan for this corridor, which has a total length of around 155 km and varying widths, and passes through different forest divisions and districts of the State/.”
The landscape between Pench and Satpura also offers a good linkage for animal movement. The corridor begins from Satpura and moves south-eastwards to link the southern part of the Pench tiger reserve. The length of this corridor is around 170 km and it is more fragmented than the Kanha-Pench corridor. A substantial part of this corridor, however, passes through beautiful forested landscapes of varying gradients and contour levels. The management plan for this corridor, which needs immense planning and meticulous restoration prescriptions, is already under preparation.
Another promising linkage lies in an inter-State landscape between Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The 90-km-long corridor begins from Kanha, moves slightly northwards and then in a north-easterly direction, and joins Achanakmar. The linkage is restorable, and inter-State planning or an arrangement between the forest departments is required.
The Phen Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and the Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh are adjacent to the Kanha Tiger Reserve and enjoy good linkages that need to be repaired and maintained continuously. These wildlife sanctuaries are also linked to the Kanha-Achanakmar corridor.

this weeks' article 
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“Leave Me Alone” …. That’s what the Tiger would tell us if it could speak, while, scores of issues, their redresses, suggestions, regulations and manipulations revolve around the term ‘tiger conservation.’
The reasons are very obvious. Mining, Deforestation , Poaching , Encroachment and unregulated tourism are the main causes the Tiger is failing to survive and grow in numbers.
It is this approach with this an organization ‘Save The Tiger’ is jointly raising with a leading wildlife magazine of India for this Global Tiger Day. As July 29 approaches, environmentalists across the Globe are busy with campaigns to observe the Global Tiger Day. In tiger states of India, such campaigns play more vital role as this is the country making share to almost two third presence of total tigers surviving on this earth.
With much popularity, the tiger reserves of Madhya Pradesh still top the lists as wildlife destination, though the State has lost its tiger state status to Karnataka. The organization and the magazine are eyeing upon such interests from Madhya Pradesh, which could boost up their campaign to each individual level.
Sharing the same, Sanctuary Asia soul driven by Bittu Sahagal, views “We need enthusiasts to help reach the voice of the tiger to people across the world. “LEAVE ME ALONE” is such one single Save the Tiger strategy which could save the big cat. The tiger does not need our dams. It does not need our mines. It does not need our roads running through its forests. It does need protection from poachers. It does need planners and politicians to accept the value of the water, climate control and soil fertility services its forests offer. It does need communities living around its home to be the prime beneficiaries of tourism.”
It has been shared by wildlife experts with their experience gained so far around the world suggests that people’s livelihoods and their ability to be meaningfully involved in conservation planning and practice are critical to environmental and nature conservation.
The restoration of tiger corridors and habitat is enormous in magnitude and requires new approaches and ideas, especially in dealing with the human aspect of this undertaking. The relocation of only critical villages is possible. This too would need their express willingness and an attractive package. For the rest of the villages, a wide range of confidence-building measures, from sustainable livelihoods, poverty alleviation and health improvement programmes to employment generation and socio-cultural upliftment, need to be undertaken.
While ecological restoration is the unquestionable domain of the forest department, the harnessing of the talent and expertise of prominent non-governmental organisations in programmes related to human development is also important. Village- and site-specific micro-planning in consultation with target villagers themselves is absolutely essential and can only be overlooked at the peril of even a semblance of the success of this restoration programme.

The Broom Makers of Madhya Pradesh

Lush forests, exuberant festivity, blissful solitude and magnificent monuments, stories of extra-ordinaries in Madhya Pradesh dose not ends here. 
The craftsmanship of Madhya Pradesh had been hereditary among several indigenous communities and down the ages, broom making was among one of such acquired skill. But the lives of broom makers remain un-cherished and long destined. 

This week's my Sunday Sundae Special 
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Amarkantak Meikal region spreading the Herbal Magic

Acting as 'Wonder to the World' and serving faith in Ayurveda, Meikal region of Amarkantak is indeed a home of herbal magic. 
Rightly celebrated as Heaven of Medicinal Plants, this region of central India is awiating right conservation and value for its nature. 

This weeks' Sunday Sundae Special
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Tribal Tourism Marking Its Mark.

Engrossing to find ways among the tribal people enjoying their culture is becoming a fascinating way to spend holidays. Yes, the Tribal Tourism is another concept joining the lines of ecotourism in Madhya Pradesh. 

There are often more to be seen than what meet the eyes. The tribal society is always a thing of great interest. With a well chalked out tour to any of these places in Madhya Pradesh, one will be able to explore the roots of a multicultural and multilingual India, where unity in diversity is the essence of national spirit.

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Through tribal tourism one can explore the striking features of the tribal life around Madhya Pradesh. As a major share of tribal sects dwell in State, Madhya Pradesh is viable for converting to mega tribal tourism destination. The State has much to contribute to enrich the aspect of tribal tourism as in its various parts, one can find existence of various tribes.
It must be stated that there are 697 tribes notified by the Central Government under Article 342 of the Indian Constitution with certain tribes being notified in more than one State.
More than half the Scheduled Tribe population is concentrated in the States of Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Jharkhand. The tribal population has shown a growth rate of 21.03 percent as against 21.35 percent of the entire population, in the period 1991-2001.
Pastoral way of tribal life in Madhya Pradesh clearly brings out the beauty in simplicity. In the picturesque surroundings of State, one can get to see the Santhals and the tribals like Bhail of Bastar. The Santhals are one of the oldest tribals living in India. Again, the central Indian tribes of India are also known for their traditional songs and dances, their colorful handmade clothing and intricately woven bamboo handicrafts.

Major tribal attractions in State
- Recently inaugurated in May and located at the picturesque Shyamala Hills, spread across 200 acres of land, the curators say National Museum of Mankind is one of a kind museum reflecting 'lifelines' of tribal art, life and their aesthetics. Considered a pet project of state culture minister Laxmikant Sharma it has already cost the exchequer upwards of Rs 16 crore.
- It is the only museum in the world to have a vivid collection of pre-historic painted rock shelters. Located in one among the pre-historic sites of India, this great anthropological Museum is a replica of the tribal life.
- This museum of mankind is also renowned as the tribal habitat, where an open-air exhibition of contemporary tribal cultures and actual-size dwellings of typical tribal villages of Indian states are recreated. The habitat is open from 10 am to 6 pm every day expect on Mondays and national holidays.

NTCA mulling Electronic Surveillance in Ratapani

Wildlife conservation in forests of Madhya Pradesh might witness a new phase of modernization as National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) plans to install round the clock electronic surveillance using high definition cameras in Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary. 
However, the cameras will be put under experimental basis but it is expected that it would pave ways for modernized vigilance in tiger states in years to come.
A similar effort was made in 2010 in the Bandhavgarh National Park (in Madhya Pradesh), where CCTV cameras were installed but at present none of them is functional. So how the project works on a long term basis is more important,

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To be noted here, worried over increasing tiger deaths each year and many due to poaching and poisoning, a pilot study in the Kalagarh range of the Corbett National Park was undertaken by the NTCA.
Now, in their move to expand the project, they have decided to place e-surveillance to Assam’s Kaziranga Natonal Park, Madhya Pradesh’s Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ramnagar division surrounding Corbett.
As per information, under the project, high resolution thermal and infrared cameras mounted on towers will capture image of objects weighing more than 20 kg in a range of 3-5 km and generate alerts if they cross the boundary.
Speaking over the issue, Narendra Kumar, PCCF, Wildlife, Government of Madhya Pradesh said, “The project is still under testing. NTCA are planning to expand the project in Madhya Pradesh and it would be in course of time that its results and affects can be studied.”
It is being seen that the use of technology is one way to ensure safety of tigers. They are in the process of improving technology and monitoring methodology in tiger habitats. They are planning to get more tiger habitats under electronic surveillance.
Electronic surveillance helps in two ways by keeping an eye on unauthorised people entering into the tiger habitat areas and tigers straying into human habitat.
The pilot project ‘electronic eye’ was started in Corbett last year to test the efficacy of these cameras. And after the satisfying results, the decision to use technology in other areas was taken. Tiger activists hail the process but say it has to be managed properly to deliver full benefits.

Wildlife Amendment Bill 2013 Triggers fresh debate on forest and wildlife conservaton

While the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2013, tabled in the Rajya Sabha earlier this month aims to tighten Wildlife Protection Act (Protection) Act, 1972 (WLPA) provisions that protect wildlife and punish poaching and wildlife trade, it has triggered a fresh debate about wildlife conservation.
The States like Madhya Pradesh are already running with no resource at all to the Wildlife Research instead of having a rich biodiversity in terms of its flora and fauna. Considering several proposals it has been with hardships that Centre for Wildlife Forensics and Heath was granted in 2010 after much wait and the centre is yet to operate itself in full fledged manner.
But, the new chapter added with the proposed bill, tenuous relationship between Forest Departments in States and the research community is being put to the test again with new amendments proposed to the WLPA, some of which scientists see as an impediment to their research.

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 — with Avinash Jain and Ajay Dubey.

Turning to Sustainable Energy for a better life, safe tomorrow.

While the cost of conventional fuel scales up on the back of a weakening rupee, and cutting huge pockets, people are turning to means of sustainable ways of surviving and living life. 
Among multiple options, solar energy which nears grid parity is now cheaper than diesel for electricity. Such initiatives for sustainable living is bringing an opportunity for Madhya Pradesh for presenting itself inform of Sustainable Power, specially in case of Solar Power.

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Madhya Pradesh has the real chance of joining early pioneers like Germany, Italy and increasingly China in reaping the rewards of embracing one of the safest and cleanest of energy sources, with a virtually inexhaustible supply. One, furthermore, that faces little of the unpredictability that dogs coal-based power production.
Currently, solar power contributes less than 0.5percent of State’s energy mix, a figure the government hopes to raise to 5-7percent by 2022. While Rajasthan and Gujarat these two have been at the forefront of the solar rush for obvious reasons, other states are catching on, with Madhya Pradesh in the process of setting up plants that will generate 300 MW with government of Maharasthra