Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited Kuno National Park (KNP) on February 5, 2025, to oversee the ongoing cheetah reintroduction and conservation project. His visit coincided with the birth of two new cheetah cubs, a significant milestone in India's efforts to restore the species after its extinction in 1952.
The newborn cubs, delivered by mother cheetah Veera, have increased the number of Indian-born cheetah cubs to 14. Expressing his immense joy and pride, CM Yadav congratulated the entire team involved in this ambitious conservation initiative.
During his visit, the Chief Minister released five cheetahs into the wild, including female cheetah Dheera, along with Aasha and her three male cubs. With this, the total number of cheetahs in the wild at Kuno National Park has now reached seven.
CM Yadav's first visit to KNP provided a significant morale boost to the forest officials, veterinarians, and ground staff working tirelessly on the project. He praised their dedication in ensuring the successful adaptation of cheetahs brought from Namibia and South Africa and assured them of enhanced support, including better infrastructure, equipment, and resources for wildlife conservation.
The Chief Minister emphasized the crucial role of frontline staff in monitoring, patrolling, and maintaining ecological balance within the park. He also encouraged eco-tourism initiatives, which would not only contribute to conservation efforts but also create employment opportunities for local communities.
The visit reinforced the significance of 'Project Cheetah', a flagship initiative launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. CM Yadav’s presence highlighted the state’s commitment to making Kuno National Park a model wildlife reserve for future reintroduction programs.
With these concerted efforts, Madhya Pradesh continues to lead the way in wildlife conservation, ensuring the successful revival of cheetahs in their natural habitat.