BHOPAL: Since the reintroduction of cheetahs under PM Narendra Modi's dream project, tourism footfall in Kuno National Park has skyrocketed, increasing by over 120%, and earnings from tourism have more than doubled.
With this, Sheopur and Mandsaur districts of MP - once known for banditry in Chambal ravines and lawlessness in opium fields of Malwa - are turning over a new leaf. These two regions are now home to 31 cheetahs, including five cubs born in Kuno (Sheopur) this week, and two male cheetahs that were recently shifted to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (Mandsaur).
The litter was born to Nirvah, who was translocated from South Africa, and fathered by Gaurav aka Elton, a gift from Namibia. With the five newborns, the cheetah population at Kuno has surged to 29, 19 of them cubs, surpassing expectations.
This rapid growth has prompted authorities to fast-track relocation of cheetahs to Gandhi Sagar before Kuno runs out of space to accommodate more of them. Gandhi Sagar sanctuary will open for tourists soon, giving new life into MP's tourism industry.
Kuno, once a relatively modest wildlife destination, has seen visitor numbers soar since the arrival of big cats. Between Oct 2021 to June 2022, Kuno received 1,416 tourists, generating over Rs 2.4 lakh in revenue. The first eight cheetahs were translocated in Sept that year. From Oct 2022 to June 2023, there was a modest rise in tourist footfall (1,578) and revenue (Rs 2.8 lakh).
But the buzz over cheetahs was catching on. Between Oct 2023 and June 2024, tourist numbers doubled to 3,221 and generated around Rs 5 lakh in revenue. And from Oct 2024 to early 2025, Kuno has already hosted 2,043 tourists, bringing in an additional Rs 3.5 lakh, and the season isn't over yet.
"The cheetahs have transformed Kuno into a must-visit destination," said a tourism officer, adding: "Visitors come from all India, and even abroad, just for a chance to spot these magnificent animals."
For the people of Mandsaur and adjoining Neemuch, cheetahs offer more than just a chance to heal - they represent a new identity for the region. Just as Sheopur shed its infamous bandit reputation, Mandsaur and Neemuch, once known for opium cultivation, now have a chance to outrun their mafia-controlled pasts and embrace a future of wildlife conservation.
"Cheetahs will redefine these regions," said a wildlife expert. Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and conservationists are flocking to Kuno, bringing economic benefits to nearby towns. Homestays, guides, and restaurants have seen a surge in business, creating a ripple effect that supports conservation while empowering rural communities.
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