PM Modi Highlights Conservation Success of the Great Indian Bustard
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi praises Great Indian Bustard conservation
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
In his 133rd Mann Ki Baat address, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the successful conservation efforts for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB). Thanks to scientific interventions, including artificial insemination and dedicated breeding centers in Rajasthan, the population of this iconic bird is showing signs of recovery.
- 01Prime Minister Modi praised ongoing conservation efforts for the Great Indian Bustard.
- 02The species, once on the brink of extinction, has seen population recovery due to scientific interventions.
- 03Dedicated breeding centers in Rajasthan have successfully hatched several chicks.
- 04The Bustard Recovery Programme, launched in 2016, aims to create a sustainable environment for GIB.
- 05Natural reproduction of GIB has been observed in the Desert National Park, indicating positive progress.
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In his 133rd Mann Ki Baat broadcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the successful conservation efforts for the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), a critically endangered species. Once nearing extinction with fewer than 200 individuals remaining, the GIB is now recovering due to scientific interventions, including artificial insemination technology and dedicated breeding centers established in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district. Modi referred to the GIB as the 'hallmark' of the desert and noted that understanding and respecting nature leads to positive outcomes. The Bustard Recovery Programme, initiated in 2016, is a collaborative effort involving the Rajasthan government, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Abu Dhabi-based International Fund for Houbara Conservation. This program focuses on captive breeding and creating a sustainable environment for the future release of GIB into the wild. In 2022, 30 eggs were collected from the wild, resulting in 24 hatched chicks, with further success in 2023. Natural reproduction has also been observed in the Desert National Park, with officials recording 11 chicks this season, including three from natural mating, marking a significant milestone in the conservation of this rare bird.
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The recovery of the Great Indian Bustard is crucial for biodiversity and ecological balance in the desert regions of India, particularly in Rajasthan.
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