PM Modi Hails Efforts on International Cheetah Day

PM Modi Appreciates Efforts On International Cheetah Day

Why in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on International Cheetah Day, highlighting the success of Project Cheetah, its role in biodiversity restoration, and India’s efforts to revive ecological heritage, while encouraging global wildlife enthusiasts to engage in cheetah conservation. The project’s implementation has been guided by rigorous environmental impact assessments and adherence to the Forest Conservation Act.

PM Modi Appreciates Efforts On International Cheetah Day

PM Modi’s Message on Cheetah Conservation:

  • Acknowledgement: PM Modi appreciated wildlife lovers and conservationists dedicated to protecting the cheetah, emphasizing the importance of environmental clearances in conservation projects.
  • Significance of Cheetah: He described the cheetah as one of the planet’s most remarkable creatures, highlighting the need for a pollution-free environment for their survival.
  • Project Cheetah Success: Launched three years ago, the project aims to safeguard cheetahs and restore the ecosystem where they thrive, in line with the EIA notification guidelines.
  • Ecological Heritage: The initiative seeks to revive India’s lost ecological heritage and strengthen biodiversity, adhering to principles of environmental jurisprudence.
  • Public Participation: PM Modi acknowledged the collective support of the public and Cheetah Mitras, crucial for the project’s success and promoting environmental democracy.

Tourism and Global Engagement

  • Cheetah Tourism: PM Modi noted the growing popularity of cheetah tourism in India, emphasizing its alignment with ex-post facto environmental clearances for tourism infrastructure.
  • Native Population: India is proud of several cheetahs born on Indian soil, reflecting successful breeding and reintroduction, supported by comprehensive environmental impact assessments.
  • Global Encouragement: The Prime Minister invited wildlife enthusiasts from across the world to witness cheetahs in their natural splendour, while respecting the Coastal Regulation Zone guidelines in tourism development.
  • Conservation Awareness: Tourism helps raise awareness about wildlife protection and the importance of human–nature harmony, reinforcing the polluter pays principle in eco-tourism practices.
  • Civilisational Ethos: Protecting wildlife aligns with India’s civilisational values and ethos of coexisting with nature, reflecting the nation’s commitment to retrospective environmental clearances when necessary.

Key points : Project Cheetah

Project Cheetah: Launched in 2022 to reintroduce cheetahs in India, following strict environmental clearance processes.
Species: Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are among the fastest land animals, requiring a pollution-free environment for survival.
Cheetah Mitras: Volunteer groups supporting conservation efforts and awareness, promoting environmental democracy.
Biodiversity Goal: Restore ecosystems where cheetahs historically thrived, in compliance with the Forest Conservation Act.
Tourism Link: Promotes eco-tourism and supports conservation funding, adhering to environmental impact assessment guidelines.
UN Recognition: International Cheetah Day observed to highlight global cheetah conservation efforts and the importance of environmental jurisprudence in wildlife protection.