Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary set to become India’s next Cheetah haven after Kuno!

As per the latest development, Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary will see cheetahs being reintroduced in a move to promote tourism in the region. This was announced by Mandsaur Collector Aditi Garg, following the inauguration of the Gandhi Sagar Forest Retreat 3.0 event. And if this goes as planned, it will make Gandhi Sagar the second site in India to host cheetahs, after Kuno National Park.

The event, organized to boost tourism, began with a sacred 'Aarti' ritual at the Chambal River on Monday evening. Garg added that the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are making all the efforts to ensure better connectivity between Gandhisagar in Madhya Pradesh and Kota in Rajasthan. It’s expected that this initiative will attract more visitors and help unlock the tourism potential of both regions.

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Discussions between the collectors of Mandsaur and Kota are also planned to further enhance the tourism prospects of the areas. According to Garg, transformative initiatives are underway in Gandhi Sagar, including the introduction of cheetahs, which will make it only the second site in the country to house the species after Kuno.

Garg also mentioned about the rich archaeological and cultural legacy of this region, which included some of the popular highlights like Pashupatinath Temple, Chaturbhuj Nala, and Hinglaj Temple. Since tourists get a beautiful mix of historical value and scenic beauty, these landmarks further enhance the area's allure.

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The new Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, which has enhanced connectivity between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, is also expected to increase tourism in the area, according to reports. Garg highlighted the expressway's contribution to increasing foot traffic by making the area more accessible to tourists.

Garg also elaborated about the efforts that have been made to stop illicit activities like mining in the Chambal region, along with these tourism projects. She gave the assurance that the biological balance of the sanctuary is protected by frequent inspections and stringent enforcement by local authorities, including the police and other pertinent departments.

Finally, Garg mentioned that efforts are being made to attract tourists from Rajasthan to visit nearby destinations in Madhya Pradesh, given the close proximity of Gandhi Sagar to Kota.