Its been more than a year since Project Cheetah was introduced in Kuno-Palpur, the authorities claim to have achieved short-term success on four counts, at least.

The Centre had outlined criteria for the success of the first phase of the project, which includes achieving at least 50 per cent survival of the introduced cheetahs for the first year and the establishment of a home range for Cheetahs in Kuno so they can successfully reproduce in the wild. Besides revenue generation for local communities.

A senior forest official on the condition of anonymity disclosed that the challenge however remains for their release in the wild.

Presently all 14 (adult) plus one cub are in enclosures, and will only be released after approval by the steering committee.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and WII (Wildlife Institute of India) constituted an 11-member steering committee to oversee the re-introduction project in India. Rajesh Gopal, the secretary general of the Global Tiger Forum, is the committee's chairman, and PCCF (wildlife) Aseem Shrivastava is also a member. The official said the committee was supposed to take a call on its (Cheetahs) release anytime soon after the monsoon.

The maiden home for Cheetahs in India, Kuno-Palpur in Sheopur district, some 420 km from Bhopal, promises to excite wildlife enthusiasts with some wonderful landscaping, flora-fauna, and aquatic wildlife in Chambal river. The evolving of a full-fledged jungle safari that encompasses 1250 sq km (core and buffer zone) and grassland etc is a complete package. Further, there is a proposal to expand the area by adding 600 sq km to Cheetah project. The proposal is pending clearance with the state government, told Thirukural R.

Madhya Pradesh is known for its forest, classical music, monuments, fortress, rivers, and rich and diverse culture. The decision by the union government to trans-locate Cheetas, which were declared extinct from India in 1952, was taken to make their maiden home in Kuno-Palpur in MP.

Twenty Cheetas that were re-introduced amidst much fanfare, only 14 plus one cub (born later) have survived.

Unfortunately, six have died due to various reasons.