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Maharashtra wildlife board approves sanctuary status for two forest areas, 14 conservation reserves

Maharashtra wildlife board approves sanctuary status for two forest areas, 14 conservation reserves

The Maharashtra State Board for Wildlife approved proposals to declare two forest areas as wildlife sanctuaries and fourteen areas across seven districts as conservation reserves in Maharashtra. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the decisions were taken at the 26th meeting of the board. The approved changes include upgrading the Kolamarka Conservation Reserve in Gadchiroli district to a wildlife sanctuary and expanding the Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary. The board also approved proposals to declare parts of the Koka Wildlife Sanctuary and the Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary as critical wildlife habitats. Officials were directed to revise management plans within three months and submit a proposal regarding staff adjustments within one month. The chief minister stated, “Incorporate routine works such as dam repairs, rehabilitation and desilting in the management plans of wildlife sanctuaries.”

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