Nauradehi tiger reserve to be third cheetah habitat in MP before next monsoon: CM Yadav

The recent approval by the Madhya Pradesh State cabinet to develop the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Nauradehi, Sagar district, as the state's third cheetah habitat marks a pivotal moment in India's ambitious Project Cheetah. This initiative, announced by Chief Minister Yadav, aims to establish the habitat before the next monsoon season, underscoring the urgency and commitment to the reintroduction of cheetahs in India. This development extends India's conservation efforts, building upon the initial success and learnings from Kuno National Park and the recently identified Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.

**The Return of the Cheetah: A National Endeavour**

The background to this development lies in a significant historical loss for India's biodiversity. The Asiatic Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) was declared extinct in India in 1952, with the last three recorded individuals reportedly hunted in 1947 in Chhattisgarh. This extinction left a void in India's grassland ecosystems, removing a crucial apex predator. Decades later, the idea of reintroducing cheetahs, this time the African Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus), gained traction. After extensive scientific study and planning, Project Cheetah was formally launched. The first batch of eight cheetahs from Namibia arrived in India on September 17, 2022, followed by twelve more from South Africa in February 2023, all released into Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Kuno was chosen due to its extensive grasslands, suitable prey base, and minimal human disturbance.

**Madhya Pradesh: A Hub for Cheetah Reintroduction**

Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the epicentre of India's cheetah reintroduction program, primarily due to its vast forest cover, extensive protected area network, and suitable ecological conditions. The state already hosts a significant tiger population and is home to numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Following Kuno, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur and Neemuch districts was identified as the second potential site. Now, Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (formerly Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary before its upgrade in 2023) in Sagar district becomes the third. This diversification of habitats is crucial for the long-term survival and genetic viability of the cheetah population, reducing the risks associated with concentrating all animals in a single location. The Nauradehi region offers a large contiguous forest area with a good prey base, making it an ideal choice.

**Key Stakeholders and Their Roles**

Several key stakeholders are instrumental in this project. The **Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)** provides the overarching policy framework and funding. The **National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)**, despite its name, plays a significant role in Project Cheetah as the nodal agency, overseeing its implementation. The **Wildlife Institute of India (WII)** provides scientific and technical expertise, conducting habitat assessments, developing management protocols, and monitoring the cheetahs. The **Madhya Pradesh Forest Department** is responsible for on-ground implementation, habitat preparation, protection, and monitoring. Local communities living around these reserves are also crucial stakeholders, as their cooperation is vital for mitigating human-wildlife conflict and ensuring the long-term success of the project. Chief Minister Yadav's announcement highlights the state government's strong political will and commitment.

**Significance for India and Future Implications**

This initiative holds profound significance for India. Ecologically, reintroducing cheetahs helps restore a crucial component of grassland ecosystems, playing a role in regulating prey populations and maintaining ecological balance. It boosts India's biodiversity conservation efforts, demonstrating a commitment to not just saving endangered species but also restoring extinct ones. The project also has potential economic benefits through ecotourism, attracting visitors and generating revenue for local communities, thereby fostering a conservation-based economy. Scientifically, it offers unique opportunities for research into reintroduction biology, habitat management, and species adaptation in a new environment.

Historically, this project is a landmark, marking the first intercontinental translocation of a large carnivore. It signifies India's growing stature in global conservation efforts. For the future, the establishment of multiple habitats like Nauradehi is critical for creating a robust and self-sustaining cheetah population. However, challenges remain: ensuring adequate prey base, managing potential human-wildlife conflict, maintaining genetic diversity, and preventing poaching. The success of these multiple sites will determine the long-term viability of Project Cheetah and could serve as a model for similar ambitious reintroduction programs globally. It reinforces India's commitment to the constitutional mandate of environmental protection.

**Constitutional and Legal Framework**

The legal and constitutional backing for such conservation initiatives is robust. **Article 48A** of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) mandates that "The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country." This provides the guiding principle for government actions like Project Cheetah. Furthermore, **Article 51A(g)**, a Fundamental Duty, states that "It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures." These articles collectively underscore the national importance of wildlife conservation. The **Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972**, provides the statutory framework for the creation and management of protected areas (National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves) and the protection of endangered species. Project Cheetah operates within this legal framework, utilizing the provisions for establishing and managing protected habitats like the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.