Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The much-awaited inauguration of Madhav Tiger Reserve in Shivpuri is set to take place on Monday. All necessary preparations have been completed, and as part of the event, a tigress will be translocated from another reserve and released into its new habitat- Madhav Tiger Reserve, the 58th Tiger Reserve of the coutnry.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia will inaugurate the reserve at 4 pm, said the reserve field director, Uttam Kumar Sharma.

The timing of the event coincides with the birth anniversary of former Union Minister Madhav Rao Scindia, in whose honour the reserve has been named. Madhav Tiger Reserve has become the ninth Tiger Reserve in the state and the latest addition to India's conservation efforts.

During the inauguration, a tigress, translocated from Panna Tiger Reserve, will be released into the state’s ninth tiger reserve, said an official. Once the tigress settles in, efforts will be made to bring a male tiger from Pench Tiger Reserve, Sharma added.

The tiger reserve status is expected to boost tourism in the region. The process to grant tiger reserve status to Madhav National Park was completed long ago, but the official notification was strategically delayed to ensure that the inauguration aligns with the birth anniversary of Madhav Rao Scindia.

Currently, Madhav Tiger Reserve houses three adult tigers and two cubs. With the addition of the translocated tigress, the number of adult big cats will increase to four.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) Shubhranjan Sen said, “We have received permission for the translocation of two tigers to Madhav Tiger Reserve. However, on the inaugural day, only one tigerss will be relocated.” .