Van Vihar National Park - Bhopal's Urban Wildlife Sanctuary

Established as a national park in 1979, Van Vihar was created on a patch of degraded forest land. The primary objective was to provide a natural habitat for orphaned, rescued, or zoo-born animals that could not survive in the wild. The area was developed with stone walls and trenches to secure the animals without using traditional cages, aligning with modern zoo principles. Over the years, it has become a significant center for wildlife conservation, breeding, and research in Madhya Pradesh. Its unique status as a national park administered like a modern zoological park makes it a distinct conservation model in India.

Van Vihar's main significance is its unique identity as a national park located within a city's municipal limits, serving as a 'green lung' for Bhopal. It's a prime example of ex-situ conservation, where animals are protected outside their natural habitat. The park plays a crucial role as a rescue and transit center for wildlife from across Madhya Pradesh. Its lakeside location also supports a rich avian biodiversity, making it an important ecosystem that combines terrestrial and aquatic habitats. For visitors, it offers an accessible way to see native wildlife in a semi-natural setting.