Tragedy struck Madhya Pradesh as two cheetah cubs met untimely ends, one in a heart-wrenching fall and the other in a suspected hit-and-run. But the state government is determined to ensure the survival of these majestic creatures, and their latest decision is a testament to that commitment.
A New Home for Cheetahs: The Nauradehi Sanctuary
In a unanimous decision, the state cabinet has approved the development of a third cheetah habitat within the Nauradehi sanctuary. This move comes after the unfortunate loss of two cubs, highlighting the urgent need for a safer and more secure environment for these big cats.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, along with Minister of State for Forests and Environment, Dilip Parihar, announced this decision following a meeting in Khajuraho. They revealed that the third habitat will span an impressive 1,197 kilometers within the Nauradehi sanctuary.
But here's where it gets controversial...
An official state release provided further details, stating that the cabinet gave its approval to develop the Virangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, Nauradehi, in Sagar district, as the third cheetah habitat. This decision follows the establishment of the first cheetah habitat at Kuno National Park, Sheopur, in September 2022, and the second at Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, Mandsaur, in April 2025.
Currently, Madhya Pradesh is home to 31 cheetahs, with 28 residing at Kuno and 2 at Gandhi Sagar. And this is the part most people miss: the state is expecting eight more cheetahs from Botswana to arrive at Kuno in January 2026.
So, what do you think? Is this a step in the right direction for cheetah conservation? Or are there potential challenges and controversies that we should be aware of? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
