PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Cheetah Project’ praised after a female cheetah gave birth to cubs in Kuno National Park

New Delhi: Following the birth of puppies by a mother cheetah in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia praised the accomplishments of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Cheetah Project” on Tuesday.

Scindia posted on social media X, saying, “Excellent news!Once again, there are shouts of happiness at Kuno National Park. The babies of Nirva, a female cheetah, have been born. For Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ambitious “Cheetah Project,” this triumph is a significant accomplishment. My greetings and warmest regards to the whole Kuno administration and forest department staff on this joyous occasion.”

The goal of Project Cheetah was to bring the almost extinct cheetah back to the nation.

Under Project Cheetah, eight cheetahs imported from Namibia were transported to India in 2022.

Later, in February 2023, twelve South African cheetahs were also relocated and let loose in Kuno National Park.
With eight adult cheetahs—three females and five males—died since their arrival, the project has encountered difficulties. There has been some reproductive success in spite of these obstacles; 12 of the 17 cubs born in India have survived, increasing the total number of cheetahs in Kuno, including cubs, to 24.

India intends to increase the number of cheetahs in other appropriate habitats in addition to Kuno. Additionally, preparations are being concluded for the introduction of cheetahs to Madhya Pradesh’s Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Negotiations to import more cheetahs are now underway between the Environment Ministry and South Africa and Kenya.

“We are in negotiations with South Africa and Kenya in this regard and we are also looking to augment prey and remove species that might be dangerous for them,” a senior government official said.