Madhya Pradesh Allocates ₹35,000 Daily for Cheetah Care at Kuno National Park
Synopsis
The Madhya Pradesh government spends about ₹35,000 each day on feeding and protecting cheetahs at Kuno National Park. This expenditure highlights ongoing efforts under 'Project Cheetah' amidst inquiries from local legislators about budget allocations and food quality for these magnificent animals.
Key Takeaways
The Madhya Pradesh government spends ₹35,000 daily on cheetah care.
A total of ₹1,27,10,870 was spent on goat meat in the fiscal year 2024-25.
There is no fixed budget for cheetah food; funds are reassigned as necessary.
Kuno National Park is recognized globally for its cheetah reintroduction efforts.
Eight more cheetahs from Botswana are set to arrive soon.
Bhopal, Feb 27 (NationPress) The Madhya Pradesh state government allocates around Rs 35,000 daily for the nourishment and safeguarding of cheetahs at Kuno National Park (KNP), as revealed in a written statement provided to the state Assembly on Friday.
The authorities disclosed that a total expenditure of Rs 1,27,10,870 was incurred for goat meat purchases in the fiscal year 2024-25. However, the government clarified that there is no distinct budget set aside specifically for cheetah feed. Instead, it mentioned that “funds are redirected from other categories as needed.”
This information was submitted in response to inquiries from Congress MLA Mukesh Malhotra, who recently won a high-stakes by-election against former forest minister Ramnivas Rawat in the Vijaypur constituency.
Malhotra has raised questions regarding the annual budget for cheetah food, its quality, and the overall spending on ‘Project Cheetah’. He also inquired whether the absence of food was a factor in the death of a leopard in a road incident on December 6, 2025.
In its response, the government indicated that there is no established standard for the daily number of goats fed.
“The provision of meat is based on veterinary requirements and ongoing monitoring assessments,” it stated.
The government refuted claims that cheetahs are being starved and emphasized that a dedicated monitoring team operates continuously.
Regarding the leopard's death in December 2025, the government confirmed that it was caused by a road accident and not related to food scarcity. It acknowledged that leopards occasionally hunt livestock in rural regions while traversing open forest areas but dismissed any potential disciplinary action against officials.
Kuno National Park (KNP), recognized globally for its cheetah reintroduction efforts, currently hosts 38 cheetahs, with 27 of them born at Kuno since the first group of eight cheetahs was released on September 17, 2022.
As of now, nine successful cheetah births have been reported at Kuno, including the African female cheetah Gamini, who gave birth to three cubs on February 18.
Kuno is set to welcome an additional eight cheetahs (two males and six females) from Botswana, expected to arrive in Madhya Pradesh on February 28. These cheetahs are anticipated to be released at the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight the complexities surrounding the funding and management of wildlife conservation projects like 'Project Cheetah' in Madhya Pradesh. The state's allocation of ₹35,000 daily for cheetah care raises significant questions regarding budget transparency and resource management, especially in light of political scrutiny. It reflects a broader commitment to wildlife conservation but also emphasizes the need for accountability in expenditure.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Madhya Pradesh government spend daily on cheetah care?
The government spends approximately ₹35,000 per day on feeding and protection of cheetahs at Kuno National Park.
What is 'Project Cheetah'?
'Project Cheetah' is an initiative aimed at reintroducing cheetahs into the wild in India, particularly at Kuno National Park.
How many cheetahs are currently at Kuno National Park?
Currently, Kuno National Park hosts 38 cheetahs, with 27 born there since the project began.
Was the death of the leopard related to food shortage?
The government clarified that the leopard's death was due to a road accident, not food scarcity.
When are the new cheetahs from Botswana expected to arrive?
The new cheetahs from Botswana are expected to arrive on February 28.
