President Droupadi Murmu Appreciates ‘Cheetah Mitras’ At Kuno National Park

President Droupadi Murmu on June 22 praised ‘Cheetah Mitras’ and members of the Sahariya tribal community during her visit to Kuno National Park, highlighting their role in supporting India’s ongoing wildlife conservation initiative, Project Cheetah.

During her visit, the President interacted with local volunteers known as ‘Cheetah Mitras’, who assist forest officials in monitoring and protecting cheetahs reintroduced under the national conservation programme. She also met members of the Sahariya tribe, acknowledging their contribution to conservation efforts in and around the park area, according to official statements.

On Sunday, Murmu toured the Cheetah Management Area within Kuno National Park and was briefed by forest officials on the progress of Project Cheetah, which aims to reintroduce the species in India after its historical extinction in the country. Officials also highlighted ongoing monitoring systems and habitat management strategies being used to ensure the survival and adaptation of the animals.

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Project Cheetah has been positioned as a flagship biodiversity restoration effort, involving careful relocation, habitat preparation, and scientific tracking of the animals. Authorities noted that the programme is being implemented through a landscape-based approach, with Kuno National Park serving as the primary site and additional locations being prepared for future expansion.

According to officials, cheetah numbers in India have reached 53, including 33 cubs born within the country. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav has earlier stated that survival rates of the reintroduced cheetahs are comparable to or better than global benchmarks, reflecting the effectiveness of ongoing scientific management and monitoring practices.

The government is also preparing to expand the initiative to other habitats, including Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Banni grasslands in Gujarat, as part of a broader strategy to create interconnected wildlife corridors across central India. The President’s visit underscored the national importance of the project and the role of local communities in supporting conservation efforts on the ground.

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