INTEGRATED LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN (ILMP)

The Ken-Betwa River Link Project, approved by the Government of India in December 2021 after a landmark agreement signed in March 2021, represents the country’s first major centrally driven river interlinking initiative. While acknowledging its ecological implications, the project is designed to secure long-term water availability for the drought-prone Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, benefiting several districts including Panna, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Banda, and Jhansi.

To balance development and conservation, the Wildlife Institute of India has prepared the Integrated Landscape Management Plan (ILMP) for the Greater Panna Landscape (GPL). The ILMP offers a comprehensive, science-based framework to integrate infrastructure development with biodiversity conservation. Its objectives include conserving key species such as the tiger, vulture, and gharial, improving habitat connectivity with Nauradehi, Durgavati, and Ranipur wildlife sanctuaries, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for forest-dependent communities. The plan promotes spatial prioritisation, community well-being, ecosystem services under the One Health approach, and active participation of multiple stakeholders throughout planning and implementation.

By strengthening governance, institutional mechanisms, and knowledge-sharing, the ILMP seeks to achieve a “win-win” scenario where biodiversity protection and human development coexist harmoniously.

Progress Status of Implementation of ILMP

1. Integrated Landscape Management Plan prepared for Greater Panna Landscape by Wildlife Institute of India
2. Constitution of GPLC 27.02.2023
3. Revised order of Greater Panna Landscape Council vide order dated 16 October 2023
4. 1st Meeting of Greater Panna Landscape Council held on 05 September 2023
5. Sub-Committee Meetings of Greater Panna Landscape Council (GPLC) held on 17th October 2023
6. 2nd Meeting of Greater Panna Landscape Council (GPLC) held on 20 November 2025