On Saturday morning at 11:25, several hours after the arrival of eight African cheetahs in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, presided over the release of two cheetahs into the quarantine enclosure of Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. This marked a significant moment as these big cats were reintroduced to India after a lapse of 70 years.
Following the release, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to Namibia for its assistance in bringing back these carnivores to India, considering it a pivotal and historic milestone. He termed Project Cheetah as India’s commitment to environmental and wildlife conservation.
In his national address, Prime Minister Modi underscored the rare opportunities humanity has to rectify past mistakes and forge a new future. He emphasized the chance to restore a broken biodiversity link that had become extinct decades ago. Acknowledging the return of the cheetah to Indian soil, he congratulated the nation, particularly recognizing Namibia’s crucial role in facilitating this reintroduction.
Highlighting the significance of the occasion in the context of Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to take pride in India’s heritage and liberate ourselves from a mentality of slavery. He reflected on the exploitation of nature as a symbol of power and modernity in the last centuries, noting the merciless hunting of the last three cheetahs in 1947. Despite their extinction in 1952, no substantial efforts were made for their rehabilitation until the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
The Prime Minister detailed the extensive efforts invested in the rehabilitation process, including a comprehensive Cheetah Action Plan and collaboration with South African and Namibian experts. Scientific surveys were conducted across the country to identify the most suitable area, leading to the selection of Kuno National Park. He highlighted that the reintroduction of cheetahs would restore the grassland ecosystem, boost biodiversity, and create opportunities for eco-tourism and employment in the region.
However, he cautioned the public to be patient and wait a few months before visiting the park, allowing the cheetahs time to acclimate to their new environment. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of following international guidelines and ensuring the success of the rehabilitation efforts.
Closing his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s unique perspective on nature and the environment, considering them not just in terms of sustainability and security but as integral to the country’s sensibility and spirituality. He highlighted India’s commitment to both economic growth and ecological preservation, showcasing the simultaneous expansion of forest areas and the increase in the population of various wildlife species, such as tigers, lions, rhinos, and elephants.
