A date etched in golden letters in India’s wildlife history. On his birthday that year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ambitious Project Cheetah by releasing eight cheetahs brought from Namibia into the wild at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. Today, as the project completes three years, it reflects both pride and challenges. While India has made historic gains, it has also faced setbacks. Yet, those steering the initiative assert: “No country in the world has achieved as much success in any animal introduction project as India’s Project Cheetah.”
How it Began
The cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952. Decades of efforts followed to bring the world’s fastest land animal back to Indian soil. In January 2022, the Action Plan for the Introduction of Cheetah in India was unveiled, with a vision to reintroduce up to 50 cheetahs within five years. Kuno was chosen for its vast grasslands, open forests, and prey base.
Achievements in Three Years
So far, 20 cheetahs—8 from Namibia and 12 from South Africa—have been introduced. Breeding has already begun, with cubs born in 2023 and 2024, signaling that India’s ecosystem can support their survival. As top predators, cheetahs are restoring balance in grassland habitats, indirectly benefiting other species. The project also stands as a symbol of international cooperation between Africa and Asia, enhancing India’s reputation in global conservation.
Challenges and Criticism
The journey has not been without hurdles. Over 10 cheetahs and several cubs have died, some due to radio-collar infections, heat stress, and territorial conflicts. Experts question whether India’s environment can fully sustain them. Kuno’s 750 sq km range may be inadequate for a long-term cheetah population, as males alone require up to 150 sq km. To address this, the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary has been identified as a second home, and a cheetah corridor is under planning. There is also concern about potential human-wildlife conflict as the cats expand their range.
A Global Message
Despite obstacles, Project Cheetah has inspired conservationists worldwide. On that historic day in 2022, PM Modi said, “Our commitment to India’s nature and environment is entering a new era. After seven decades, cheetahs will once again roam the Indian soil.”
Three years on, that vision continues to shape India’s wildlife story—balancing celebration with caution, and hope with responsibility.