Context: Recently, as part of the Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP), a comprehensive Integrated Landscape Management Plan (ILMP) has been prepared for the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity in the Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) & surrounding areas.

Why was the Greater Panna Landscape Council(GPLC) constituted?

• Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is the first interlinking of rivers project under the National Perspective Plan(NPP).  It would be a game-changer for the socio-economic prosperity of the Bundelkhand region, which faces recurrent drought situations.

• As part of this project, the Wildlife Institute of India(WII) has prepared a comprehensive Integrated Landscape Management Plan(ILMP) for the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity not only in Panna Tiger Reserve(PTR) but also in surrounding areas.

• To ensure systematic and time-bound implementation of ILMP, the Greater Panna Landscape Council(GPLC) has been constituted.

What is the aim of the Greater Panna Landscape Council(GPLC)?

• Aim: To ensure a “win-win” situation for conservation through integration with the development process based on a balanced approach and considering the diverse stakes. 

Objectives

1. To enable the betterment of habitat, protection, and management for flagship species viz. tiger, vulture, and gharial in the landscape 

2. To consolidate the landscape for overall biodiversity conservation through spatial prioritization and well-being of the forest-dependent communities and 

3. To provide species-specific and site-specific monitoring strategies under the integrated landscape management in context with a feedback loop and adaptive management options.

Key facts about the Panna Tiger Reserve

• Panna Tiger Reserve is a critical tiger habitat located in Vindhya Hill in northern Madhya Pradesh.

• The dominating vegetation type is dry deciduous forest interspread with grassland

• In the north, it is surrounded by teak forest & in the east, it is surrounded by Teak-Kardhai mixed forest.

• The North East-South West, running Vindhya Hill ranges link the eastern and western populations of wild animals.

• Fauna:  Leopard, Wild dog, wolf, Hyaena, Sloth bear etc.

What is Ken-Betwa Link Project?

• Under this, the transfer of excess water from the River Ken to the Betwa basin through the use of a concrete canal is proposed.

• It is the first project under the National Perspective Plan for the interlinking of rivers.

• It aims to provide irrigation to the Bundelkhand region, which is one of the worst drought-affected areas in India.

• A Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Centre and the governments of UP and MP for the project.

• Implementing Agency: A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) called Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority (KBLPA) will be set up to implement the project.