NEW DELHI: Declared extinct in 1952, Cheetah will be brought from Namibia as the Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the Centre to reintroduce the fastest animal on earth at a suitable habitat in India.
Observing that cheetah is almost extinct in India, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had filed an application seeking permission for the introduction of the African cheetah from Namibia. The SC approved the project and set up a three-member committee, including former director Wildlife of India Ranjit Singh and DG of Wildlife of India Dhananjay Mohan, to guide the NTCA in selecting the best location for the project.
The plan to reintroduce cheetah was initiated by then environment minister Jairam Ramesh in 2009. The Wildlife Institute of India had suggested 10 sites from seven landscapes located in Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP, UP and Chhattisgarh. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said the court will monitor the project and sought progress report every four month. It also said the decision for relocation will be taken after a proper survey. The NTCA told the court that all the potential sites found feasible for reintroducing Cheetah will be reassessed and an action plan will be developed for measures that are required, prior to the reintroduction.