Environment

India receives 9 Botswana cheetahs, expanding Project Cheetah coalition to 48

Nine cheetahs from Botswana—six females and three males—arrived at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh on March 1, 2026, marking the third international batch under Project Cheetah. India's cheetah population now totals 48, including 29 cubs born in captivity since 2023, demonstrating breeding success. The animals will undergo 15-30 days quarantine before GPS tracking and eventual forest release.

NGT orders Ratle project contractor to fund Chenab River ecological restoration

The National Green Tribunal has held Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) responsible for restoring the Chenab River's downstream ecology after illegal dumping of construction debris during the 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project in Jammu and Kashmir. The NGT directed the Environment Ministry to assess restoration costs within three months, with MEIL bearing full expenses. MEIL must also develop a biodiversity park using excavated muck and submit quarterly progress reports.

Central Monitoring Committee Reviews River Pollution and Sewage Management Progress

India's 21st Central Monitoring Committee examined state-wise progress on cleaning polluted river stretches and improving sewage treatment infrastructure. The review focused on implementation timelines under the National Action Plan for Ganga Rejuvenation and similar river cleanup initiatives. States reported varying progress levels in achieving pollution reduction targets and constructing treatment facilities.