Sehore (Madhya Pradesh): The Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty, is set to expand its boundaries to enhance tourism. A proposal to include 1,500 hectares of additional forest land from Sehore and Dewas districts has been prepared and will be sent to Bhopal Forest Office for approval.

Officials from both districts recently held a meeting to discuss the expansion plan, which aims to improve sanctuary management by incorporating adjacent forest areas. The proposed addition includes 800 to 1,200 hectares from Ashta and Ichhawar forest areas of Sehore.

Currently, the sanctuary covers 134 square kilometers, with 4,000 hectares of Sehore’s forest already part of it. Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary is home to diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, bears, jackals, hyenas, deer, nilgai, and the rare four-horned antelope.

It also boasts 155 bird species, including the state bird Dudhraj and 55 butterfly species. The sanctuary, recognised as an eco-sensitive zone, features a dense teak forest. To facilitate tourist access, the Daulatpur Gate has been inaugurated.

Ranger Bhim Singh Sisodia confirmed that locations for expansion have been identified, and the proposal is awaiting approval. Once sanctioned, the expansion will be implemented to further develop the sanctuary as a key tourist destination.