Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the ongoing conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) in his 133rd Mann Ki Baat address. The species, once on the verge of extinction, is now recovering thanks to scientific interventions and sustained ground actions.
The GIB, Rajasthan's state bird, is one of the rarest species in the world and remains critically endangered. However, with the help of artificial insemination technology and dedicated breeding centres, the species is now showing signs of recovery.
The Bustard Recovery Programme, launched in 2016, is a joint initiative by the Rajasthan government, the ministry of environment, forest and climate change, and the International Fund for Houbara Conservation. The programme focuses on captive breeding and creating a sustainable environment for the future release of captive-born GIB into the wild.
Recent milestones include 13 eggs hatching through artificial incubation and 11 chicks recorded this season, including three born through natural mating. Officials say this marks a key milestone in the ongoing conservation programme and offers hope for the species' long-term survival.
