PM Modi hails GIB revival in Jaisalmer as count reaches 82

Jaisalmer: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday praised conservation efforts to save the Great Indian Bustard—locally called Godawan— in Jaisalmer's desert region, after two breeding centres reported three new chicks last week, taking their combined total to 82.In the 133rd episode of his monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat, Modi said the bird once symbolised the desert landscape but its numbers fell sharply until it neared extinction. He said special drives launched in recent years were now showing "encouraging outcomes", crediting scientists and forest department teams and saying modern scientific methods had strengthened the work.Modi said breeding centres in desert areas were protecting eggs, incubating them artificially and raising chicks safely. He said the population was "slowly improving", calling it a hopeful sign for environmental protection, and described the Godawan as vital to India's biodiversity.At Jaisalmer's two breeding centres, Sudasari and Ramdevra, three GIB chicks hatched last week, bringing the total at both facilities to 82.DNP Deputy Conservator of Forests Brijmohan Gupta said the team was proud the PM recognised their work. "This year's achievements using AI technology reflect round-the-clock efforts by scientists and field staff at Sudasari and Ramdevra," he said.Gupta said 82 birds were currently recorded under the programme. He said 49 birds were raised from captive eggs, 23 chicks resulted from artificial insemination, and 26 chicks were produced through natural breeding.He said the three chicks born last week came from the pairs Aman–Parv, Sharky–Parv, and Akku–Leo. Experts called the development an encouraging boost for the species' conservation.
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