Omkareshwar

Omkareshwar protected area lies along the Narmada River in Khandwa and Dewas districts of Madhya Pradesh. It covers 611.753 km², 343.274 km² in Khandwa and 268.479 km² in Dewas, and excludes the reservoir submergence zone^[1].

Carnivores listed are tiger, leopard, sloth bear, jackal and hyena; herbivores include chital, sambar, chinkara, barking deer, porcupine and hare^[1].

Vegetation is teak, salai and dhawda^[1].

The area includes 52 islands, 31 in the Mundi range and 21 in the Chandgarh range^[1].

The area lies in the Narmada valley of central India.

Omkareshwar (Mandhata) is a river island in the Narmada about 2 km long and 1 km wide, named for its resemblance to the sacred syllable Om, with the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga on its southern part. It is identified with the ancient Mahishmati^[2].

The protected area was announced by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Madhya Pradesh's foundation day in November 2025, as the state's 27th sanctuary. No revenue or forest villages are included^[1].

The islands Boriyamal and Jalchauki Dharikotala are to be developed as eco-tourism centres^[1].

Mandhata is about 10 km from Omkareshwar Road railway station on the Akola-Ratlam line^[2].

The reservoir zone was left out so local fishermen and villagers keep their livelihoods. Plans include slope and riverbank conservation and solid waste management^[1].