Foundation Stone Laid for Indrani Balan Interpretation Centre at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
The ceremony was attended by MLA Meena Singh, Punit Balan, Chairman of the Punit Balan Group, his wife Janhavi Dhariwal-Balan, Chairperson and Managing Director of Manikchand Oxyrich, and Shobha Dhariwal.
Senior Forest Department officials present included B. S. Annigeri, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Development), Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Field Director Dr Anupam Sahay and Deputy Director Yohan Katara. The reserve’s Assistant Director, Tala Range Forest Officer and forest personnel also attended the event, along with representatives of resort, guide and Gypsy associations.
As part of its welfare initiatives, the Punit Balan Group is funding life insurance coverage for approximately 1,100 people working in and around the reserve. These include forest and security personnel, guides, members of the Gypsy Association and drivers.
The group pays an annual insurance premium of approximately Rs 34 lakh and has committed to continuing the support for the next 10 years. The initiative aims to provide financial security to the families of people whose work contributes to the management and protection of the tiger reserve.
The group will also provide three Isuzu vehicles to strengthen wildlife protection and patrolling operations at Bandhavgarh. The procurement process is underway, and the vehicles are expected to be handed over to the reserve management by the end of November.
Speaking about the initiative, Punit Balan said, “Conserving wildlife and nature is not the responsibility of the Forest Department alone. It is a responsibility we all share. The forest and security personnel who work around the clock to protect our forests and wildlife are the backbone of conservation.
“Through the Punit Balan Group, we are glad to have the opportunity to make their work safer, provide financial protection for their families and strengthen wildlife protection. We will continue to support these efforts.”
Dr Anupam Sahay, Field Director of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, said, “Forest and security personnel work around the clock, often in extremely difficult conditions, to protect wildlife and natural resources. The Punit Balan Group’s initiative to provide life insurance and vehicles for wildlife patrols is valuable. Support like this boosts staff morale and strengthens wildlife protection.
“We are grateful to the group for its consistent contribution to conservation at Bandhavgarh over the past five years.”
The initiatives are part of the Punit Balan Group’s ongoing engagement with Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, focusing on the welfare of personnel and strengthening wildlife conservation efforts.
