On September 11, 2025, the India International Centre in Delhi witnessed a proud moment for the Indian Forest Service. At the third edition of the prestigious Eco Warrior Awards, a historic conservation effort received national recognition. Among the standout honorees was IFS Officer Uttam Kumar Sharma, Field Director of Project Cheetah and Kuno National Park, who was presented the “Innovative Initiatives” award for his instrumental role in bringing back an iconic species that had vanished from India’s landscapes decades ago – the Cheetah.
Mr Sharma, a 1999 batch IFS (Indian Forest Service) officer, has become a symbol of dedication, strategic foresight, and environmental leadership. As the nation lauds the return of the cheetah, it is his persistent efforts, alongside his team, that turned a dream into a living, breathing reality.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, Mr Sharma shared the incredible journey of Project Cheetah, the challenges his team faced, the role of communities, and his vision for India’s ecological future.
Reintroducing the Cheetah: A Dream Years in the Making
“The cheetah is the only big animal our country lost – it was also part of our culture. There was always a deep desire to bring it back,” IFS Sharma begins.
The cheetah, once native to India, was declared extinct in 1952. However, the tide turned in 2022 when, under the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, eight wild cheetahs arrived from Namibia and were released into Kuno National Park on September 17, 2022. The initiative gained further momentum when 12 more cheetahs were brought in from South Africa in February 2023, bringing the total to 20.
“It was a historic moment. No one in India had ever managed cheetahs before – it was a completely new experiment, even allowed by the Supreme Court under experimental grounds. There was immense pressure and responsibility,” Mr Sharma reflects.
Despite the novelty and high stakes, the team persevered. While the project saw nine cheetah deaths, 17 cheetah cubs were born in India, bringing the total population to 28 as of today.
Adapting to a New World: Tackling Ecological and Climatic Challenges
Critics and environmental experts raised concerns about India’s suitability for cheetahs, especially compared to their native African habitats. Sharma acknowledges these apprehensions but emphasizes that the Action Plan had already anticipated challenges.
“We knew there would be issues – the cheetahs were coming from different ecological zones. The plan itself had a projected mortality rate of up to 50% in the first year. Despite that, the actual number of losses remained below expectations and were due to natural causes,” he explains.
Mr Sharma adds that the cheetahs born in India have shown strong adaptability, signaling a promising future for the species in Indian ecosystems.
Cheetahs and the Ecosystem: Restoring Balance and Heritage
The return of cheetahs is not just about rewilding a species – it has deeper ecological and cultural implications.
“The cheetah was a part of our cultural and natural heritage for thousands of years. Its reintroduction is both symbolic and ecological,” Mr Sharma says.
He further explains that cheetahs, being coursing predators, play a different role in the ecosystem compared to ambush predators like tigers or leopards. Their presence will rejuvenate the savanna and grassland ecosystems, which have long been neglected.
“Grassland species like the Caracal and the Great Indian Bustard will also benefit from this initiative. The cheetah project is laying the foundation for protecting entire ecosystems,” he notes.
Community First: The Rise of ‘Cheetah Mitras’
No conservation project can succeed without community involvement. Sharma’s approach included deep engagement with the local villagers and tribal communities living around Kuno.
“We created more than 400 ‘Cheetah Mitras’ across 80 border villages. These youth volunteers help monitor the cheetahs and spread awareness. The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” he shares.
Tourism, too, has surged. The number of tourists visiting Kuno in the past year alone equals the combined total of the last five years.
“Wildlife tourism is rising, and that means jobs. For the first time, the locals are seeing tangible benefits. We’ve received full support from the villagers – they now see the cheetah as part of their cultural identity and economic future,” Sharma proudly says.
Beyond Kuno: A National Vision for Meta-Population
The scope of the project has now expanded. In April 2025, two male cheetahs were successfully introduced to the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary – a second site in Madhya Pradesh. A female cheetah will soon join them.
“Our goal is to establish a viable meta-population of cheetahs across India. The action plan identifies ten sites nationwide. We’re starting with Kuno and Gandhi Sagar, but more will follow,” Mr Sharma says.
In parallel, the Kuno landscape is evolving. From 35 sq. km, the protected area has now grown to 1,800 sq. km, ensuring ample space for cheetahs to thrive.
“This is not just a relocation; it’s a comprehensive, long-term conservation plan. We’re enhancing habitats, managing landscapes, and working with communities for sustainable outcomes,” he explains.
Inspiration for Future Projects
The cheetah reintroduction sets a powerful precedent for conservation in India. Sharma believes this success can be replicated for other endangered species, especially those dependent on grassland ecosystems.
“We had zero experience with cheetah management. Yet, through field learning and teamwork, we managed it. This gives us confidence that we can protect other endangered species like the Caracal and the Great Indian Bustard,” he says.
A Legacy in the Making
As Sharma looks ahead, his focus remains steadfast on the project’s long-term goals: ecological restoration, community development, and national pride.
“It’s a long journey, but the path is clear. Cheetahs are not just back – they’re here to stay. And with them, we are reviving not just a species, but an entire ecosystem,” he concludes.
Leadership That Inspires
IFS Uttam Kumar Sharma’s story is not just about one project—it is about vision, resilience, and the power of collective effort. Under his leadership, Project Cheetah has transformed from a bold dream into a globally admired conservation milestone.
As India watches its cheetahs sprint across the grasslands once again, it is officers like Sharma—quietly, consistently, and courageously leading from the front—who remind us of what’s possible when nature and humanity walk together.
