Female Cheetah 'Radha' Released in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, Cheetah Population Reaches Four

मंदसौर जिला गरोठ तहसील | राजकुमार कोटवार

Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary Welcomes New Female Cheetah

The cheetah reintroduction project at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur district, Madhya Pradesh, has reached a new milestone. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav released a female cheetah, transferred from Kuno National Park, into the sanctuary's soft-release enclosure on Monday. The Chief Minister christened the newly arrived cheetah 'Radha'. This significant step establishes Gandhi Sagar as the country's second major cheetah habitat, bringing the total cheetah population to four.

The conservation and management efforts at Gandhi Sagar have been ongoing since the arrival of two male cheetahs, Prabhas and Pavak, in April 2025. The addition of female cheetah 'Radha' further strengthens the project. The sanctuary now hosts two male and two female cheetahs, a notable achievement in cheetah conservation efforts.

Extensive Natural Habitat Developed for Cheetahs

Approximately 64 square kilometers of area has been developed as a protected habitat for the rehabilitation of cheetahs within Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. This area is equipped with soft-release enclosures, state-of-the-art monitoring systems, and all necessary facilities for cheetah management. The Forest Department has also provided specialized training to its staff and wildlife guides for the effective and safe management and conservation of cheetahs.

Boost for Wildlife Tourism and Local Economy

The presence of cheetahs in Gandhi Sagar holds strong potential to boost wildlife tourism in the region. An anticipated increase in tourist numbers due to the cheetahs' attraction is expected to create new employment opportunities locally. Significant growth prospects are opening up in sectors such as homestays, guide services, and transportation, which will contribute substantially to the economic development of Mandsaur and Neemuch districts. This project could prove to be a major development driver for the area.

Project Cheetah Focuses on Population Growth

With the completion of four years of Project Cheetah in India, continuous emphasis is being placed on increasing the cheetah population and developing new suitable habitats across the country. As of September 18, 2026, a total of 56 cheetahs were recorded across India. Through scientific monitoring and management, efforts will continue to establish Gandhi Sagar as one of India's premier wildlife conservation centers in the future, aiding in the preservation of the nation's biodiversity.