Sheopur
In this summer, a new lifeline has been found for cheetah cubs in Koono National Park. This is a water lift system powered by solar energy. This has helped them to avoid scorching heat and harsh situations. In June, the temperature in northwest and central India went above 40 degrees Celsius. This put a lot of pressure on the sources of water. In May 2023, three cubs of Namibian Cheetah Jwala died in the National Park, Madhya Pradesh due to excessive heat. Learning from that experience, the authorities have installed a solar energy -powered system. The system pumps water from the Kuno River and transports it to more than 15 places inside the park through an 8.6 km long pipeline.
Bringing water from Kuno river and bringing them to the forest
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Cheetah Project Director, Uttam Kumar Sharma posted a video on X. He said that it has been quite successful in a planned manner, especially for mother and newborn cubs, to take water from the Kuno River, take it to a kilometer away, to make a green place, and improve the availability of water, especially for mother and newborn cubs. He further stated that the importance of water is felt only in its absence and it is felt the most in the summer season in Koono… Life becomes very difficult for wildlife, especially for youth, in the hot winds called ‘Lu’ and in the surrounding temperature of 48 ° C.
17 cubs are alive
In 2022–23, 20 African cheetahs were brought to Koono. Since then, 26 cubs have been born in India. Of these, 17 are survived.
South African Cheetah Veera gave birth to two cubs in February 2025. Another South African Cheetah, Election gave birth to five cubs in April. Two election cubs died, but officials said the rest are fine. He said that the cubs were facing such harsh situations for the first time. Both mother and her children were using water points regularly, indicating the success of this initiative.
Cubs relief from heat
Previously, cubs used to die due to heat. Therefore, this time the authorities had already prepared. They planted solar pumps to drain water from the Kuno River. Then the water from the pipeline was transported to different places in the forest. This brought relief from the heat to the cubs and their mother.
Uttam Kumar Sharma said that its importance is known only when there is a shortage of water. This is proved to be true in the summer season in Kuno. It becomes difficult for animals to live when the heat moves and temperatures reach 48 degrees. Especially for small cubs.
Officials said Veera and the cubs of the election are watching so much heat for the first time. But they are going to the points made for water. This shows that this scheme is succeeding.
