President Droupadi Murmu on Monday interacted with ‘Cheetah Mitras’ at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh’s Sheopur district, commending their role in supporting India’s ambitious cheetah reintroduction programme and grassroots conservation efforts.
During her visit, the President held one-on-one interactions with the trained local volunteers to understand on-ground conservation work related to the fastest land animal. She was briefed on ongoing efforts to protect cheetahs, monitor their movement and raise awareness among local communities about their behaviour and safety.
Officials said Murmu appreciated the voluntary contribution of the ‘Cheetah Mitras’, who play a key role in bridging the gap between forest authorities and villagers living around the protected area.
‘Cheetah Mitras’ are specially trained volunteers, often drawn from the indigenous Sahariya tribe, who serve as community liaisons in villages surrounding Kuno National Park. They help track cheetah movements, spread awareness about animal behaviour, and ensure that local residents inform forest authorities if cheetahs are sighted near human habitations.
According to officials, the volunteers informed the President that they are active across all villages adjoining the park and regularly conduct awareness drives to ensure that cheetahs are not harmed and are allowed to move safely in their natural habitat.
Villagers have also been sensitised that cheetahs do not typically pose a threat to humans. In cases where they stray into fields or settlements, residents are encouraged to immediately alert the Forest Department to prevent panic or accidental harm to the animals.
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Senior forest officials, including Principal Secretary of the Forest Department Sandeep Yadav and Head of Forest Force Shubhranjan Sen, were present during the interaction.
The President had also visited Kuno National Park a day earlier, where she toured the Cheetah Command and Control Centre and reviewed monitoring systems used for tracking the big cats. She was briefed on the progress of Project Cheetah, including conservation outcomes and habitat management initiatives.
Launched on September 17, 2022, Project Cheetah aims to reintroduce the species in India after its extinction in the country, marking a significant step in biodiversity restoration efforts. Kuno National Park has been developed as the primary reintroduction site due to its suitable habitat conditions and prey base.
Officials said cheetahs brought to India have been sourced from Namibia, South Africa and Botswana under phased relocation programmes. The initiative has also led to the birth of several cubs in India, marking a key milestone in the project’s progress.
After concluding her engagements at Kuno, the President departed for Gwalior by helicopter and later left for New Delhi by an Indian Air Force aircraft.
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