Kuno National Park News is making headlines once again, this time due to a major infrastructure project being halted in the interest of wildlife protection. A proposed highway connecting Rajasthan’s Sawai Madhopur to Madhya Pradesh’s Morena and Sheopur has been stopped after the park authorities raised concerns over the safety of cheetahs. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which is responsible for the construction, has claimed that it is working as per regulations, but the Kuno management insists that without a proper mitigation plan, the project cannot go forward.
The Controversy Over the Goras–Shyampur Highway
The dispute revolves around the 63.4-kilometer-long Goras–Shyampur highway project, estimated to cost ₹209 crore. Out of this stretch, nearly 32 kilometers pass through ecologically sensitive regions including the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh and the Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan. According to wildlife experts, the highway alignment overlaps with the proposed cheetah corridor, making it a direct threat to the survival of reintroduced cheetahs.
Field Director of Kuno National Park, U.K. Sharma, explained that both the National Board for Wildlife and the Union Ministry of Environment had granted clearance only on the condition that mitigation structures such as elevated roads and underpasses would be built. These measures are essential to allow safe passage for animals. Without such guarantees, the park authorities have made it clear that the project will not be allowed to proceed.
On the other hand, NHAI officials, including Deputy Engineer Vijay Awasthi, have stated that there was no specific condition mandating elevated roads. According to them, the agency is proceeding strictly as per the permissions granted by the concerned authorities. This difference in interpretation has led to the current deadlock.
Why the Highway Raises Safety Concerns
The location of this highway makes it a sensitive case. Kuno is at the heart of India’s cheetah reintroduction program, and the region is being developed as a secure habitat for these endangered big cats. The proposed alignment of the highway falls right within the corridor that connects Sheopur to Rajasthan’s Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. This corridor has already been identified as a critical landscape for cheetah movement and dispersal.
Recently, two cheetahs were relocated to Gandhi Sagar as part of efforts to establish alternative habitats. With the animals now actively moving between these landscapes, ensuring their safety has become a top priority. A busy highway cutting through the corridor could fragment their habitat, increase the risk of road accidents, and hinder the success of the entire cheetah project.
A Corridor Spread Across 17,000 Square Kilometers
In November, a proposal was put forward to create a cheetah corridor covering 17,000 square kilometers across 10 districts of Madhya Pradesh and seven districts of Rajasthan. The idea is to give cheetahs enough space to establish their territories and thrive in the wild. This proposal was discussed in detail during a meeting of the Cheetah Project Steering Committee along with both state governments.
Such a vast corridor would not only secure the survival of cheetahs but also benefit other wildlife species. However, infrastructure projects like highways, railways, or mining within these sensitive landscapes can severely disrupt this vision if not planned carefully.
India’s Cheetah Reintroduction Effort
The controversy over the highway must also be seen in the larger context of India’s ambitious cheetah reintroduction project. The Asiatic cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952. To revive the species, the Government of India launched the cheetah rehabilitation project in September 2022.
As part of this initiative, eight cheetahs were brought from Namibia in September 2022, followed by 12 more from South Africa in February 2023. All of them were released into Kuno National Park, making it the first site of the project. Since then, the park has been in the global spotlight, with wildlife lovers and conservationists closely tracking the progress of the cheetahs.
Protecting their habitat from external threats like unregulated roads or infrastructure is therefore seen as critical to the project’s long-term success.
Financial and Developmental Stakes
From an infrastructure standpoint, the Goras–Shyampur highway is considered an important route that would improve connectivity between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. At an estimated cost of ₹209 crore, the project is part of broader development goals. However, nearly one-third of its stretch lies within fragile ecosystems.
The challenge lies in balancing development with conservation. While local communities and governments look forward to improved transportation links, conservationists warn that ignoring ecological concerns could undo years of investment in wildlife protection.
Statements from Stakeholders
- Kuno Field Director U.K. Sharma: “The approval for the highway was conditional. Elevated roads and underpasses must be provided to ensure the safe movement of cheetahs and other animals. Without this, the project endangers wildlife and cannot be permitted.”
- NHAI Deputy Engineer Vijay Awasthi: “There were no specific conditions for elevated roads in the clearance. We are constructing the highway strictly as per the approvals granted.”
This disagreement between the park management and NHAI has created uncertainty about the future of the project.
The Way Forward
The issue highlights the growing tension between infrastructure development and wildlife conservation in India. Experts suggest that the solution lies in adopting modern eco-sensitive infrastructure practices. Wildlife crossings, elevated sections, and underpasses have been successfully used in many countries to balance roads with conservation goals.
If similar measures are integrated into the Goras–Shyampur project, it could serve as a model for future projects across India. On the contrary, ignoring ecological safeguards could lead to conflict, legal hurdles, and irreversible damage to fragile ecosystems.
Also read: Vantara News: Supreme Court Orders SIT Probe into Ambani’s Wildlife Rescue Center in Jamnagar
Conclusion:Kuno National Park News
The halt of the ₹209-crore highway project is a reminder that conservation cannot be sidelined in the pursuit of development. Kuno National Park News is not just about a road dispute; it reflects the larger question of how India plans to balance growth with sustainability. With cheetahs being reintroduced after seven decades, their survival is closely tied to how seriously we protect their habitats.
The final decision on the Goras–Shyampur highway will likely set a precedent for future infrastructure projects in wildlife-rich areas. For now, all eyes remain on Kuno, where the stakes are high not just for the cheetahs but for India’s reputation as a leader in wildlife conservation.
