India's ambitious cheetah relocation project is gaining momentum as it prepares to welcome eight cheetahs from Botswana in two phases. The initial group of four is expected to arrive by May 2025, marking a significant step in the country's efforts to reintroduce the species after it was declared extinct in India in 1952.

This translocation initiative, which has already seen an investment of over ₹112 crore, aims to establish a thriving cheetah population and expand their habitat beyond Kuno National Park (KNP). Plans are underway to relocate cheetahs to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, with an agreement being fostered between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to create an interstate cheetah conservation area.

The announcement was made following a review meeting attended by Union Minister for Environment, Forests & Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Officials from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) provided updates on the project's progress, including the ongoing efforts to bring cheetahs from South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya. A consent is currently being developed on an agreement between India and Kenya.

The cheetah project has already achieved several milestones. In September 2022, eight Namibian cheetahs (five females and three males) were released into KNP, representing the first-ever intercontinental translocation of these big cats. This was followed by the arrival of 12 more cheetahs from South Africa in February 2023. As of now, KNP is home to 26 cheetahs, including 14 cubs born on Indian soil.

Despite the successes, the project has faced challenges, including the death of eight adult cheetahs since their arrival. However, the birth of cubs in India has been a positive sign, indicating the cheetahs' adaptation to their new environment. To further enhance the project's success, special training is being provided to "cheetah mitras" (friends of cheetahs) in both Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.

Madhya Pradesh is also seeking permission from the Supreme Court to start cheetah safaris in Kuno National Park, which are expected to boost tourism and generate revenue for conservation efforts. The number of tourists in KNP has already doubled in the last two years, demonstrating the growing interest in cheetah conservation.

In a related development, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced plans to introduce cheetahs to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary on April 20. This decision, made during the review meeting with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, aims to extend the cheetah project's reach and establish a second home for the animals in Madhya Pradesh.

Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the border of Mandsaur and Neemuch districts, has been identified as a suitable habitat for cheetahs. CM Yadav emphasized the importance of protecting wildlife and promoting public interest in animals, highlighting the need for improved facilities, rescue centers, and veterinary support.

The relocation of cheetahs to India is a complex and ambitious undertaking, but with careful planning, dedicated resources, and ongoing monitoring, it has the potential to restore a vital part of the country's natural heritage and contribute to global cheetah conservation efforts.