Preparations Finalized for the Introduction of Cheetahs in Gujarat's Banni Grasslands According to Officiail Statements

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has allocated a budget of ₹20 crore for Project Cheetah, with ₹12 crore earmarked for the initial phase. This ambitious project aims to reinstate cheetahs in India, promote grassland restoration, and enhance local livelihoods.

In the Banni Grasslands, located in Gujarat's Kutch region, preparations are underway for the reintroduction of cheetahs. The Gujarat Forest Department has meticulously prepared a 600-hectare enclosure, equipped with soft-release bomas, quarantine zones, veterinary facilities, and CCTV surveillance. Fencing has been installed to block the entry of leopards and other large predators, ensuring a safe environment for the cheetahs.

To support this endeavour, Vantara, a conservation facility operated by the Reliance Foundation, will provide technical support, veterinary assistance, and scientific expertise. This is part of Vantara's commitment to wildlife conservation efforts, including the rewilding projects in the Banni Grassland area.

The Banni Grasslands, which cover 3,847 square kilometers, resemble the natural vegetation of African savannahs and scrublands favoured by cheetahs. This diverse ecosystem is home to a variety of animals, including nilgai, chinkara, blackbuck, and over 150 bird species. Approximately 45,000 Maldhari pastoralists reside in the Banni Grasslands, practicing grazing as their livelihood.

The planned reintroduction of cheetahs in the Banni Grasslands is part of India's ongoing commitment to ecological restoration and international conservation efforts. Sarah Tancredi, an experienced journalist and news reporter specializing in environmental and climate crisis issues, has dedicated her career to informing the public and promoting sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

Elsewhere in India, the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary currently houses 2 adult cheetahs, while Kuno National Park, another potential habitat, has 24 cheetahs (12 adults and 12 cubs) as of September 2024. The Central Zoo Authority has also approved the construction of a cheetah conservation breeding centre in Banni, featuring open-air isolation enclosures.

However, the project is not without its challenges. There have been reports of cheetah deaths and concerns about the unexpected consequences of the reintroduction. Participatory planning is crucial in the Banni Grasslands due to ongoing land tenure issues related to conservation actors.

As we move towards the end of 2025, ten cheetahs (five males and five females) are scheduled to be shifted to the Banni Grasslands, subject to approval from the Cheetah Project Steering Committee and the NTCA. Evidence of success in preparing habitats, improving breeding rates, and developing the Indigenous ecological restoration movement offers a promising outlook for Project Cheetah.

The reintroduction of cheetahs in India is a significant step towards restoring ecosystems and preserving biodiversity. With continued support and careful planning, Project Cheetah has the potential to make a lasting impact on India's wildlife and conservation efforts.