Rainfall delays cheetah breeding centre in Kutch’s Banni Grasslands

The Gujarat government had sought to complete the Cheetah project by December. However, due to the uncertainties caused by the heavy showers, the project is now anticipated to be completed by March or April next year.

Heavy rains in Gujarat’s Kutch district this year have postponed the construction of a ₹20-crore cheetah conservation breeding centre in the Banni grasslands, a project sanctioned by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

Originally scheduled for completion by December 2024, officials now estimate the centre will be ready by March or April 2025.

Impact of Exceptional Rainfall

Kutch experienced unprecedented rainfall this year, receiving 185% of its seasonal average by August 2024. The torrential rains caused widespread flooding, disrupting the groundwork and slowing down construction efforts. Authorities have been forced to reassess their strategies to account for these unforeseen delays.

Also read: Tragic incident in Surat: man burnt to death in car fire

Details of the Project

The cheetah conservation breeding centre aims to reintroduce cheetahs to Gujarat after decades of absence. Approved by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), the project includes:

• A 500-hectare enclosure in the Banni grasslands.
• Infrastructure such as fencing, habitat redevelopment, and a dedicated hospital.
• Space to house 16 cheetahs as part of India’s wildlife conservation initiatives.

Revised Timeline

While the NTCA did not specify a strict deadline, the Gujarat government had targeted December 2024 for completion.

However, adverse weather conditions have pushed this target back, with completion now anticipated in early 2025.

This breeding centre is expected to play a critical role in India’s efforts to reintroduce and conserve cheetah populations, contributing to broader wildlife and habitat preservation initiatives.