(a) whether the Union Government has given green signal to re-introduce Cheetahs in three
locations in the country at a cost of around Rs. 3000 crore;
(b) if so, the details of the project;
(c) the number of settlements likely to be displaced on this account;
(d) whether the Centre has drawn a scheme for the resettlement of the displaced families and the amount of compensation, if any, likely to be paid to them; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a)&(b) The Ministry had requested the Wildlife Institute of India and Wildlife Trust of India
to undertake a feasibility study with a view to re-introduce Cheetah in India. The feasibility
report has been received in which three potential sites, from amongst ten sites evaluated, have
been found to be best suited for initiating the programme. These are Sahgarh landscape in
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, Kuno Palpur and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh.
Re-introduction of Cheetah would require long term financial and administrative commitments.
State Governments’ concurrence to this project is crucial for the successful implementation
of the project.
(c) The project would require, apart from interventions for habitat improvements,
resettlement of above 800 families living in 80 seasonal ‘dhanis’ in Sahgarh and 21 villages
in Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary. Kuno Palpur may not require immediate relocation as already
24 villages have been relocated to create inviolate space.
(d) Presently there is no such proposal.
(e) Does not arise.