https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Cheetahs Set to Run Again in the Heart of Gujarat’s Banni Grassland

Govt approves a groundbreaking initiative to establish a cheetah conservation breeding center in Kutch’s Banni grassland The last of the cheetahs were declared extinct in Banni, marking the end of an era The success of the proposed breeding program will determine the specific area in which the cheetah population will be enhanced
Indian Masterminds Stories

In the vast expanse of Gujarat’s Kutch district lies a pristine wilderness, a realm where nature’s delicate balance once resonated with the exhilarating speed and grace of cheetahs. Banni, spanning a colossal 2,500 square kilometers, is not just any grassland; it’s a living testament to biodiversity, teeming with a mosaic of life that has thrived for centuries.

Now, a groundbreaking initiative is underway to revive the lost legacy of these majestic predators, as the government greenlights the establishment of a cheetah conservation breeding center in the heart of Banni.

In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, IFS officer Nityanand Srivastava who is the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) as well as the Chief Wildlife Warden of Gujarat, unveiled the ambitious plans for cheetah breeding and conservation in the region.

CHEETAH REINTRODUCTION

After the successful reintroduction of these swift felines in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park, the spotlight now turns to Gujarat’s Banni grassland.

Mr. Srivastava said, “This project is a significant milestone, but it’s important to note that the journey has just begun. The government’s approval is the first step, and there are administrative formalities and approvals that lie ahead. Only after securing those necessary clearances can we establish a concrete timeline for this transformative initiative,”

Banni’s historical connection with cheetahs dates back to the 1950s when the grassland echoed with the elusive growls and meows, and lightning fast sprints of these big cats. The last of the cheetahs were declared extinct in Banni, marking the end of an era. The proposed breeding center aims to recreate a controlled environment where the cheetahs can thrive, paving the way for a potential reintroduction into their ancestral habitat.

“The breeding center will be a hub of meticulous conservation efforts. Our primary goal is to ensure the successful breeding of cheetahs in captivity. Once achieved, we can strategically decide which areas of Banni will benefit from the reintroduction of these magnificent predators,” explained Mr. Srivastava.

BANNI GRASSLAND

The success of the breeding program will determine the specific area in which the cheetah population will be enhanced. Currently, the reintroduction of cheetahs into the wild is not feasible due to the absence of herbivores in the region. Establishing Banni as a cheetah reintroduction sanctuary is a distant goal. “Our immediate objective is to establish a breeding center in Banni, which was historically a habitat for cheetahs,” said Mr. Srivastava.

Mr. Srivastava further informed that specific details such as the number of cheetahs for reintroduction, their source, enclosure specifications, and modern facilities are yet to be discussed, but the dream of witnessing cheetahs grace the Banni grassland once again is gaining momentum.

Banni, with its 52 villages and the cherished Banni breed of buffaloes, is not just a haven for cheetahs; it’s a thriving ecosystem supporting various species, from the Indian wolf and jackal to the Indian gazelle and myriad bird species.


Indian Masterminds Stories
Related Stories
NEWS
PESB
PESB Selects Surjit Mishra as Director In-Charge of Burnpur & Durgapur Steel Plants
smita_sabharwal-resized
Senior IAS Officer Smita Sabharwal Responds to Gachibowli Police Notice in Land Dispute Case
DFCCIL logo
Successful Trial Run on DFCCIL’s New Umbergaon-IR Saphale Section Marks Major Milestone
NTPC
NTPC Bongaigaon Supports Bodoland Artisans with New Dormitory Facility
BHEL_resized
BHEL’s Bangalore Electronics Division Receives GreenCo Gold Rating
SJVN
Rajendra Prasad Goyal’s Appointment to SJVN as Director (Finance) Extended - Know More About Him
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd
GRSE Unveils New Logo on Its 66th Raising Day
SBI_resized
SBI Appoints Shamsher Singh as Nominee Director of SBI Cards & Payment Services - Know About Him
Videos
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
IRS Padmapani Bora’s 16-Year-Long Journey in Governance
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-13 at 1.46
This Collector Finds Happiness In Squeaks Of Children With Hearing Impairment Who Start Hearing After Surgery
Meghashree D R IAS
How Wayanad’s Women Turned a Disaster into a Dream Project
UPSC Stories
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
IRS Padmapani Bora’s 16-Year-Long Journey in Governance
IRS officer Padmapani Bora's 16-year career transcends typical bureaucracy. Discover his surprising journey...
IAS T Rahul Kumar reddy
How This IAS Officer Overcame 4 Consecutive Mains Failures & 1 Interview Rejection
IAS Officer T. Rahul Kumar Reddy’s journey to success was marked by perseverance through six UPSC attempts....
Indrajeet Sirra IFS new
How This IFS Officer’s Journey Teaches Aspirants to Never Miss Any Opportunity in Their UPSC Dream
Indrajeet Sirra’s journey to becoming an IFS officer after five UPSC attempts teaches aspirants the importance...
Social Media
Himanshu Nagpal IAS
Varanasi's Beggar Rehabilitation Initiative Recognised by UIDAI, CDO Himanshu Nagpal Shares the News
Mr. Himanshu Nagpal is a 2019-batch IAS officer
IAS Vaishali Chopra
Young IAS Vaishali Chopra Takes a Stand Against Caste Bias During Field Training in Uttar Pradesh
While the issue itself may seem small, the post is resonating widely online for its honest reflection...
Tiger
IAS Officer Sanjay Kumar Shares Mesmerising Tigress Patrol Video from Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
In the video, the tigress is seen cooling off in her preferred waterhole before embarking on her evening...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
PESB
PESB Selects Surjit Mishra as Director In-Charge of Burnpur & Durgapur Steel Plants
Himanshu Nagpal IAS
Varanasi's Beggar Rehabilitation Initiative Recognised by UIDAI, CDO Himanshu Nagpal Shares the News
Videos
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-13 at 1.46
Meghashree D R IAS
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT