NEW DELHI: Supreme Court has expressed deep concern over the death of cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park. The bench comprising Justices B R Gavai, J B Pardiwala and Prashant Kumar Mishra has urged the Central government to take positive action in response to the situation. The matter at hand revolves around the death of cheetahs brought to India as part of 'Project Cheetah.'

The court observed that the loss of cheetahs is a setback for the conservation initiative. It should not be regarded as a matter of pride. The bench questioned the rationale behind keeping cheetahs confined to one location and the decision to relocate them by creating a new habitat.

ASG Aishwarya Bhatti informed the court that experts had previously anticipated a mortality rate of around 50 percent for the relocated cheetahs. The government informed that it is natural for cheetahs to face increased risks when removed from their native environment. Aishwarya Bhatti explained that the cause of death for the cheetahs was identified as infections and the authorities are working towards implementing the scheme effectively.

Last year in September, India received eight cheetahs consisting of five females and three males from Namibia under the Intercontinental Cheetah Translocation Project. These magnificent animals were transported to the country via a special flight and later relocated to Kuno National Park from the Gwalior Air Force Station. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself released the cheetahs into their new home.