Unaware Of Exact Arrival Plans Of Cheetahs In Madhya Pradesh: Forest Official

Senior Madhya Pradesh forest department officials stated on Friday that they were unaware of the precise arrangements for the creatures’ arrival at the state’s Kuno-Palpur National Park, despite rumours of their return to India (KNP).

The cheetahs are expected to arrive in the state by August 15, and preparations, including building an enclosure in the KNP, have already been made. As it is an issue between the Central government and other nations interested in the project, we are not aware of their arrival at this time, according to J S Chauhan, the state’s senior chief conservator of forests (Wildlife).

In order to purchase the cheetahs in the KNP as part of the ambitious reintroduction effort, India had inked an MoU with the Namibian government last month.

The representative likewise declined to say if the cheetahs coming from Namibia and South Africa will travel together or separately. According to an official, the proposed agreement with South Africa has not yet been completed, but the Center has already inked one for the transfer of cheetahs between continents with Namibia. When asked earlier about the intention to reintroduce cheetahs to Indian land, a senior official responded that they are working on it and that the fastest animal on planet will arrive here in August.

As a result of the government’s refusal to transfer the Asiatic lions to the neighbouring state, the translocation issue has become contentious between the two BJP-ruled states. Sheopur district also conducted a day-long bandh in protest.

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