Madhya Pradesh has taken another significant step towards expanding Project Cheetah, with state Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav releasing a female cheetah, identified as ‘CCB 2’, for free-ranging in the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Neemuch-Mandsaur region.

The cheetah was released on the auspicious occasion of Radha Ashtami, with CM Dr Yadav naming her ‘Radha’. Her release has taken the number of cheetahs in the sanctuary to four, further strengthening Madhya Pradesh’s efforts to establish another viable cheetah habitat in the country.

MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav released Radha in the sanctuary on Sunday

Gandhi Sagar now home to four cheetahs

With Radha’s arrival, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary now has two male and two female cheetahs. The sanctuary was already home to male cheetahs Prabhash and Pawak, along with female cheetah Dheera.

After Kuno National Park, Gandhi Sagar is being developed as the country’s second major habitat for cheetahs. The initiative aims to strengthen cheetah conservation while creating conditions conducive to their natural movement and breeding.

The expansion is also intended to provide a larger and more diverse habitat base for the species as India continues its efforts to establish a sustainable cheetah population.

Forest team to closely monitor Radha

Following her release, Radha will remain under close observation by a specialised Forest Department team as she adapts to her new surroundings.

Officials will continuously monitor her health, behaviour and movements, as well as her ability to adjust to the habitat and environmental conditions. CM Dr Yadav said the establishment of a cheetah population at Gandhi Sagar was an important step towards expanding Project Cheetah.

He also said the health and adaptation of cheetahs released into the sanctuary last year were being closely monitored.

Cheetahs expected to boost eco-tourism

CM Dr Yadav said the cheetah reintroduction programme, launched under the guidance of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, was contributing to wildlife conservation efforts.

The presence of cheetahs in the Gandhi Sagar landscape is also expected to give a boost to eco-tourism. Increased tourist activity could create new livelihood opportunities for local communities through tourism-related services, including guides and other associated activities.

MP seeks ‘Cheetah State’ identity

Highlighting Madhya Pradesh’s rich biodiversity, CM Dr Yadav said the state had earned recognition not only as the ‘Tiger State’, but also as the ‘Cheetah State’, ‘Gharial State’ and ‘Vulture State’.

He also highlighted efforts to bring wild buffaloes from Assam to the state and noted the increasing elephant population in Madhya Pradesh.

The release of Radha at Gandhi Sagar marks another development in the state’s wildlife conservation programme, with authorities seeking to strengthen the sanctuary as a long-term habitat for cheetahs while promoting biodiversity and nature-based tourism.