Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan joint panel formed for coordination on cheetah project

Wed Nov 06 09:44:24 UTC 2024: ## Joint Committee Formed to Conserve Cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan

**Bhopal, November 6, 2024:** A joint committee has been formed by Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to ensure the conservation of cheetahs, particularly those migrating between the two states. The committee, comprising officials from both states, will focus on managing the corridor between Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The initiative comes in response to several instances of cheetahs straying into Rajasthan from the KNP. Notably, in May 2024, a cheetah was rescued from Karoli district in Rajasthan, and in December 2023, another was brought back to the KNP after being found in Baran district.

The committee’s primary objectives include:

* Developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two states for the development and management of corridors for cheetah movement and conservation.
* Building capacity among officers and staff involved in monitoring and patrolling to effectively manage cheetahs moving through the corridor.
* Exploring opportunities for joint tourist routes in areas bordering both states, such as the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, Kuno National Park, and Ranthambore National Park.

The committee will be jointly chaired by the principal chief conservator of forests and chief conservator (wildlife) of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Other members include senior wildlife officials from both states, representatives from the National Tiger Conservation Authority, and a representative from the Wildlife Institute of India.

While the cheetah reintroduction project has seen success with 17 cubs born in the KNP over the past two years, it has also faced setbacks with eight adult cheetahs and five cubs dying during the same period. Currently, 24 cheetahs, including cubs, reside at the KNP. The joint committee aims to ensure the long-term success of the cheetah reintroduction project and address challenges posed by the movement of these animals across state borders.