Congress leader Jairam Ramesh recently shared a throwback post recalling the events that led to the conservation programme for the Great Indian Bustard. The bird, scientifically known as Ardeotis nigriceps, is a critically endangered species and often considered an indicator of the health of our grasslands.
The story began when then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Rajasthan's Udaipur 50 years ago. During her flight, she read a Hindustan Times report about the Great Indian Bustard facing near-extinction. This led her to meet with bird enthusiasts, triggering a conservation programme for the species.
The programme included the establishment of the Desert National Park near Jaisalmer and Barmer. Despite facing several threats, the Great Indian Bustard continues to be a priority for conservation efforts.
The bird was also proposed as the national bird by ornithologist Salim Ali in 1961, but the peacock was ultimately chosen due to historical, mythological, cultural, and religious reasons.
Today, the Centre is taking various measures for the conservation and protection of the Great Indian Bustard, including designating important habitats as National Parks/sanctuaries and conservation breeding programmes.
