Centre sets up 9-member taskforce for monitoring cheetahs in Kuno National Park

The ministry of Environment, forest and climate change constituted a nine member task force for monitoring the Cheetahs at Kuno national park, Madhya Pradesh, officials said on Friday.

The committee members will focus on reviewing their progress in the new habitat and monitoring the health status of these cheetahs.  “Upkeep of the soft release enclosures and protection status of the entire area. Adherence to the forest and veterinary officials’ protocols, advice on Cheetah introduction in India to Madhya Pradesh forest department and NTCA on the status of Cheetah with respect to overall health, behaviour, and upkeep” will be the functions performed by the committee, according to an official statement.

The members of the committee will include the Principal Secretary (Forests), Madhya Pradesh-Member, Principal Secretary (Tourism), Madhya Pradesh-Member, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Madhya Pradesh-Member, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden.

The committee’s officials will also monitor the hunting skills and adaptations of these cheetahs.  “Monitor the release of Cheetahs and the opening of the Cheetah habitat for eco-tourism. “Suggest and advice on the development of tourism infrastructure in fringe areas, regularly interact with Cheetah Mitras..” added the statement.

On 25^th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that based on the recommendation of the task force set up to observe cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park, it will be decided when people will be able to see the big cats.

“Friends, a task force has been formed. This task force will monitor the cheetahs and see how much they have been able to adapt to the environment here. On this basis, a decision will be taken after a few months and then you will be able to see the cheetahs,” said PM Modi in the 93rd episode of his monthly radio broadcast, ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
He exclaimed that people from all corners of the country have expressed happiness over the return of cheetahs to India.
“130 crore Indians are happy, full of pride; this is India’s love for nature,” the PM stated. 
He also invited ideas from the people on what should be the name of the campaign and of the cheetahs.

The cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952. On 17th September this year, eight cheetahs (5 females and 3 males) were brought from Namibia under “Project Cheetah” as part of the government’s efforts to revitalise and diversify the country’s wildlife and habitat.