Chief Minister Dr. Yadav to Release 2 Cheetahs in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav will release two cheetahs into the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Mandsaur district on Sunday. The “Cheetah Project” is one of Madhya Pradesh’s ambitious initiatives to increase the cheetah population in India and conserve the species. Under this project, apart from Kuno National Park, a new habitat is being established in the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.

Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary will become the second site in the state to host cheetahs. This step is expected to be a milestone in wildlife conservation and a point of great interest for wildlife enthusiasts and domestic & international tourists. To increase the cheetah population in the state, cheetahs are being brought in from South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana to be relocated into the forests of Madhya Pradesh. There are 26 cheetahs in Kuno National Park, located in Sheopur district. There is a plan to bring 8 more cheetahs from Botswana. Of these, 4 cheetahs will arrive by May 2025, followed by another 4 later. Proposals are in place to import cheetahs from South Africa and Kenya.

A principal agreement has been reached between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to establish an interstate cheetah conservation complex. Both states will jointly work towards the creation of this complex. A total expenditure of ₹112 crore has already been incurred on the cheetah project, of which 67% has been spent on cheetah rehabilitation in Madhya Pradesh. By rehabilitating cheetahs, which had become extinct from India and almost the entire Asian continent, the state government is steadily advancing towards protecting nature through development and vice versa.

Gandhi Sagar wildlife sanctuary is located in eastern Madhya Pradesh, around Mandsaur and Neemuch districts. The sanctuary is home to trees like Salai, Kardhai, Dhauda, Tendu, and Palash. It includes the world-renowned Chaturbhuj Nala and also features the Rock Shelter site. The sanctuary was initially notified in 1974 and officially declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984. Its archaeological and religious significance is further enriched by the presence of ancient rock art sites and the famous Chaturbhujnath Temple.

The sanctuary is spread around the backwaters of Gandhi Sagar and is known for rare species like wild dogs, chinkara, leopards, otters, and crocodiles. Additionally, animals like spotted deer, sambar, and grey langurs are also found here.