New committee formed to supervise cheetah project; Union Environment Minister to take stock of Kuno National Park arrangements on May 29.

In the last two months, six cheetahs, including three cubs died in Kuno National Park. The three cubs died in the last one week due to malnutrition and dehydration.

Bhopal: In the wake of the recent death of cheetah cubs, Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav has called a meeting with Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on May 29 to take stock of the arrangements and shortcomings in Kuno National Park in Sheopur district. Ahead of which, Chouhan held a meeting with officials of the forest department today.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has set up an 11-member Cheetah Project Steering Committee headed by Global Tiger Forum general secretary Dr. Rajesh Gopal to monitor 'Project Cheetah'. A panel of the foreign cheetah experts has been formed to provide advice. This steering committee has been entrusted to decide on matters related to cheetah rehabilitation.

The move comes in the wake of the total death toll of cheetahs rising to six in the last two months including three cubs, since they were brought from Namibia to Kuno. In the last one week, three of the four cubs born to Namibian Cheetah Jwala died. Investigations have revealed that the cubs have died reportedly due to malnutrition and dehydration. Presently, there are 18 cheetahs, including one cub, in Kuno National Park.

Officials said that the cubs could not tolerate the scorching heat as temperature in Sheopur reached a maximum of 46-47 degree Celsius on May 23. If the frequent death of cheetahs and cubs are not stopped then the 'Project Cheetah' will be doomed, officials said.

Union Minister Yadav will reach Bhopal on May 29 to discuss this issue with the chief minister. The newly formed committee will take ahead the 'Project Cheetah'. Last year, the NTCA had formed a task force to monitor the health of cheetahs brought from Namibia. The forest officials had earlier stressed on the need to appoint a panel of cheetah experts to provide suggestions as and when needed.