World Environment Day: Great Indian Bustard conservation to be showcased at Qutub Minar

Jaisalmer: The conservation journey of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (Godawan) will be showcased through a special light and visual projection at New Delhi’s Qutub Minar on World Environment Day on June 5.

The event, scheduled between 8 pm and 10 pm, aims to showcase the journey of Godawan conservation and revival, with the stated aim of raising public awareness. The programme is being organised jointly by Godawan Estuary Premium Water, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Gramodaya Samajik Sansthan.

The initiative comes amid increasing national attention on the species. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently referred to the Godawan in an episode of "Mann Ki Baat", while Rajasthan observed its first-ever Godawan Divas on May 21 this year to promote awareness and habitat conservation.

Kedar Shreemal, president of Gramodaya Samajik Sansthan, said the projection would showcase the bird’s conservation journey and the encouraging rise in its numbers. "This achievement belongs to local communities, conservation experts, the forest department, and private sector partners who have worked together over the years. The event is a celebration of collective effort and a reminder of our shared responsibility towards securing the future of this magnificent species," he said.

Breeding centres operated by the forest department were cited as playing a significant role in conservation efforts, with positive results being reported. Under the initiative, the number of Great Indian Bustards at the Ramdevra Breeding Centre in Jaisalmer district has reached 61, and 25 at Sam, with the figure expected to rise in the coming days. It was also stated that breeding capacity showed improvement and that if AI technology continued to succeed in the same manner, the numbers could grow faster in the coming years.

According to a recent census by the Wildlife Institute of India, the number of Great Indian Bustards in open wildlife field areas of Jaisalmer, counted scientifically across various zones, was reported to be approximately 128. Stakeholders said the figures indicated progress in the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard.