WILL CHEETAH SPRINT IN RAJ?

Jaipur: The Cheetahs will be imported from Namibia and released into Kanha National Park in MP. However, the issue of relocation of Cheetahs in Rajasthan is being raised again and again. Despite a series of study reports in favour of Raj for importing Cheetah from South Africa, political and technical barriers did not allow this to happen. For relocation of Cheetah in Raj, a team of Wildlife Institute of India (WII) surveyed Rajasthan and submitted its report on Jan 5, 2021.

Shergarh and Bhainsrorgarh Wildlife Sanctuary complex were also among the recommended sites for holding and conservation breeding of cheetah in India in controlled wild conditions. Similarly, a team from South Africa conducted a survey and found Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve suitable for cheetah settlement. Later, state government sent a proposal to union govt for settlement of Cheetahs in Raj. However, NTCA refused and said that there is no need to settle cheetahs in Rajasthan at present. Sources said that NTCA decision was politically motivated or there were technical reasons behind refusing to settle.