Indian Oil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for the transcontinental relocation of the 'Cheetah' in its historical range in India. Indian Oil is the first corporate to come forward to support "Project Cheetah" under CSR, as the project is not only of national importance but also essential for ecosystem balancing.
The MoU was signed by S.M. Vaidya, Chairman, Indian Oil and Dr S P Yadav, Addl. Director General (Project Tiger) and Member Secretary (NTCA) in the presence of Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Labour & Employment, Bhupender Yadav, MoS, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Ashwini Kumar Choubey and MoS, Petroleum & Natural Gas and Labour & Employment Rameswar Teli.
This is in addition to the Memorandum of Understanding signed on July 20, 2022 between the Government of India and the Government of the Republic of Namibia on wildlife conservation and sustainable biodiversity utilization, with the goal of reintroducing the cheetah into its historical range in India.
Indian Oil will contribute Rs.50.22 crore over a four-year period to the project's components, which include cheetah introduction, habitat management and protection, eco-development, staff training, and veterinary healthcare.
Cheetahs hold a special place in the national conservation ethic and ethos. Understanding this, Indian Oil is assisting in the cause of reintroducing the Cheetah to India, which would have significant conservation implications. Cheetah restoration will be part of a prototype for restoring original cheetah habitats and biodiversity, assisting in the prevention of biodiversity degradation and loss.
This project is in line with Indian Oil's strong environmental stance and the company's commitment to preserving India's natural habitat and heritage. It should be noted that Indian Oil adopted the Indian Single Horned Rhino as its mascot last year and has been at the forefront of India's Rhino conservation efforts since then.
A source population of 8-10 Cheetahs will be flown in from Namibia and South Africa for introduction at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh as part of this project. It is a national project involving the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Government of India, and the Madhya Pradesh State Government.
The MoEF &CC has designated NTCA as the nodal agency for funding, supervision, and assistance. Indian Oil will contribute CSR funds to NTCA, which will coordinate with the Madhya Pradesh State Government and other parties involved in the project.
