Himanta Biswa Sarma hails Project Cheetah’s success as 32 wild cats now thrive in India

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. File pic

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday praised the efforts under ‘Project Cheetah', which has resulted in 32 wild cats thriving in India after being extinct in the country for seven decades.

He also lauded the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of International Cheetah Day, reported news agency PTI.

In a post on social media platform X, the Assam CM said, "Three years of Project Cheetah, championed by Adarniya Shri Narendra Modi, are showing remarkable results."

"From being extinct in India for seven decades, cheetahs are now thriving with 32 individuals, including 21 born on Indian soil, in Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. A reminder that vision, commitment, and science can restore lost ecological heritage," he further stated.

Sarma also shared a post by the prime minister on the social media platform on India's success in reviving cheetahs in the wild.

A total of 20 cheetahs were introduced into Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh - eight from Namibia in September 2022 and 12 from South Africa in February 2023.

As on December 2025, India sustains a thriving population of 32 cheetahs, of which 21 are India-born cubs.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Modi said that Project Cheetah was an effort to revive lost ecological heritage and urged wildlife enthusiasts to visit India to see the wild cat in all its splendour, PTI reported.

While extending his wishes on International Cheetah Day, PM Modi also stated that "all wildlife lovers and conservationists are dedicated to protecting the cheetah, one of the planet's most remarkable creatures".

"Three years ago, our government launched Project Cheetah with the aim of safeguarding this magnificent animal and restoring the ecosystem in which it can truly flourish. It was also an effort to revive lost ecological heritage and strengthen our biodiversity," PM Modi said, adding that India is proud to be home to several cheetahs, and a significant number of them are born on Indian soil.

Many of them now thrive in the Kuno National Park and the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.

(With inputs from PTI)