Union Forest and Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stated that the reintroduction of cheetahs from Botswana to Kuno National Park has marked the beginning of a historic partnership for biodiversity conservation between Botswana and India.
The cheetah reintroduction plan in India has been a complete success, thanks to the special initiatives and efforts of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Many countries have come together to promote biodiversity conservation. The Cheetah Project in India has been in operation for three and a half years.
The cheetah population in Kuno National Park is continuously growing, and currently, the number of cheetahs in India has reached 48, with 45 in Kuno National Park and 3 in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. The Union Forest Minister stated that India’s efforts are contributing to global biodiversity conservation, and 97 countries have become members of this forum.
Union Forest and Environment Minister Yadav symbolically released three of the nine cheetahs from Botswana into quarantine enclosures. Nine cheetahs arrived at Kuno National Park on Saturday at around 9:30 am. Three Air Force helicopters airlifted these cheetahs from Gwalior Airport to Kuno National Park.
These cheetahs include six females and three males. Following the cheetah release ceremony, the Union Minister met and discussed with the cheetah expert team from Botswana, and presented them with mementos from Kuno National Park.
With the arrival of the nine cheetahs from Botswana, the total number of cheetahs in the state has now reached 48, of which 45 are in Kuno National Park and three in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
On this occasion, New and Renewable Energy Minister Rakesh Shukla, MP Shivmangal Singh Tomar, Chairman of Sahariya Development Authority and Cabinet Minister rank Tursanpal Baraiya, former Minister Ramniwas Rawat, public representatives, DG Wildlife Government of India Sushil Kumar Awasthi, ACS Forest Sandeep Yadav, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force V.N. Ambade, Commissioner Suresh Kumar and other senior officers were present.
