Cheetah Project Information Withheld in the Name of ‘National Security’; MP Chief Wildlife Warden Gets Notice from Information Commission

Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh State Information Commission has issued a strict show-cause notice to the Chief Wildlife Warden for denying information related to Project Cheetah under the RTI Act. The Forest Department had refused to share details claiming that the matter involved national security and sovereignty. The Commission has warned that the officer may face a penalty or even a departmental inquiry.

Chief Information Commissioner Vijay Yadav has directed Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Shubhranjan Sen to appear before the Commission on December 12 and explain why action should not be taken for withholding public information.

RTI Filed in 2024

The controversy began when wildlife and RTI activist Ajay Dubey sought documents in July 2024 related to cheetah management in Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Forest Department rejected the RTI request under Section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act, which allows denial of information that could affect the sovereignty, integrity, national security, or foreign relations of India.

NTCA Also Received the Same Justification

When the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) sought clarification, the department repeated the same argument.
In its reply, Public Information Officer Saurabh Kumar Kabra stated that Project Cheetah involves international collaborations and foreign experts, and disclosure of details could harm India’s relations with partner countries and compromise the project’s integrity.

The department emphasised involvement of South Africa, Kenya, and Namibia, calling Project Cheetah an “important experimental plan” approved by the Supreme Court in January 2020. It also noted that Phase-II is proposed at Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.

‘Absurd and Misleading’: Activist Challenges Denial

Activist Ajay Dubey strongly opposed the rejection, calling it “absurd, misleading and a misuse of national security provisions.”
He questioned the state’s claim of foreign collaboration, stating:
“I do not know when Madhya Pradesh received cheetahs from Kenya.”

Dubey filed an appeal and later approached the State Information Commission, accusing PCCF Sen of misusing RTI provisions and directing the PIO to deny information without valid grounds.

Commission Seeks Explanation; Action Likely

The Information Commission has now asked Sen why proceedings should not be initiated under the RTI Act, which includes monetary penalties and departmental action.
The matter will be heard on December 12, and further action will depend on Sen’s response.