Sesaipura, Madhya Pradesh: A thrilling endeavor is taking shape as plans for a cheetah safari near Kuno National Park are in full swing, offering an exclusive opportunity for enthusiasts to delve into the world of these magnificent big cats. In a candid interview with ANI, Project Cheetah’s distinguished leader, Mr. SP Yadav, disclosed that the intricate process of land acquisition for this ambitious venture is actively underway.
This visionary project is poised to be a game-changer, not only enriching the experiences of wildlife enthusiasts but also providing a significant boost to local employment opportunities. The grand reintroduction of cheetahs into the Kuno National Park, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17 last year, marked a historic moment in the conservation of India’s diverse wildlife.
The Ministry of Environment is taking proactive measures by organizing a series of programs in Sesaipura that are intricately connected to Project Cheetah’s mission. Mr. Yadav shared, “We are in the process of establishing a cutting-edge cheetah safari. Additionally, we envision the creation of an interpretation center, a fully-equipped library, and a dedicated research facility. Furthermore, we are exploring the establishment of a skill upgradation center, and considerable strides have been made in this direction.”
The cheetah safari promises to be a major draw for tourists and a significant source of employment for local communities. Preliminary preparations are already in motion, with the acquisition of 150-180 hectares of land serving as the foundation for an elaborate master layout plan.
Mr. Yadav, who also serves as the member secretary of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, emphasized that the approval of the Central Zoo Authority is crucial for the successful realization of the cheetah safari. He envisions an attraction where tourists can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat while comfortably seated in vehicles.
The project goes beyond just the safari experience, as Mr. Yadav expressed the need for dedicated facilities such as an “interpretation center” and a museum dedicated to cheetahs. The library will house a collection of literature and publications exclusively related to cheetahs.
Notably, cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa are being reintroduced into India through Project Cheetah, the world’s pioneering inter-continental large wild carnivore translocation initiative. This effort is aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to environmental preservation and wildlife conservation, with the overarching goal of rejuvenating India’s wildlife and ecosystems.
The reintroduction of cheetahs into Kuno National Park is expected to restore open forests and grassland ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity conservation and enhancing ecosystem services, including water security, carbon sequestration, and soil moisture conservation.
Kuno National Park, nestled in the northern foothills of the Vindhya mountain range, spans an impressive 344.686 square kilometers. The park, named after a tributary of the Chambal River, is poised to become the new home for these remarkable creatures.
The last known cheetah in India perished in 1947 in the district of Korea, now part of Chhattisgarh, formerly within Madhya Pradesh’s borders. Subsequently, the species was declared extinct in India in 1952.
Source: ANI
