Bhupender Yadav Outlines Conservation Measures for Bustards, Cheetahs, and Grasslands in Gujarat
The Government of India is taking significant steps to protect the Great Indian Bustard, cheetahs, and grasslands. During a review meeting in Bhuj, Gujarat, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasized that wildlife conservation should not focus solely on saving a single species. Instead, the objective should be to protect the entire ecosystem, encompassing animals, plants, and their natural habitats.
The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is one of the most critically endangered birds in the world. Today, only a small number of these birds remain in the Kutch region of Gujarat. The government has launched a new action plan to help boost their population.
The plan aims to create a protected habitat spanning 200–500 square kilometers and increase the population to more than 30 birds. These efforts include restoring grasslands, removing invasive plant species, managing predators, and mitigating threats posed by human activity. A specialized 'soft-release center' has also been established near Naliya to prepare captive-reared bustards for life in the wild.
Grasslands play a vital role in nature. They cover approximately one-fourth of India's total land area and provide a habitat for numerous species, including the Great Indian Bustard, cheetahs, chinkaras, vultures, and desert cats. However, many grasslands have degraded over time. The government plans to conduct a five-year national study to map, restore, and improve the management of these valuable ecosystems. Restoring grasslands will help enhance wildlife protection and biodiversity.
India's 'Project Cheetah' has also shown encouraging progress. The country began with 29 cheetahs brought from Africa, and their population has now risen to 52, including 49 cubs born in India. The range of safe habitats for cheetahs has also been expanded, with new release sites identified in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
These efforts demonstrate that the simultaneous conservation of bustards, cheetahs, and grasslands represents the best approach to nature conservation. Healthy grasslands provide a safe home for wildlife, aiding the survival of endangered species and ensuring a balanced ecosystem for future generations.