Rajasthan celebrates Godawan Day, State government's commitment to critically endangered Great Indian Bustard conservation

JAISALMER: May 21 marked a historic milestone in the conservation journey of Rajasthan’s State Bird, the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (Godawan), as the state officially celebrated “Godawan Day” for the first time.

On the occasion, Rajasthan’s minister of state for forest and environment Sanjay Sharma unveiled special statues of the Great Indian Bustard at the Sudasari Breeding Centre in the Desert National Park (DNP), Jaisalmer.

The statues are intended to spread awareness about desert bird conservation and wildlife protection.

Later, the state-level official Godawan Day function was organized at Utkarsh Bhawan in Jaisalmer city in the presence of senior forest officials, wildlife experts, public representatives, environmentalists, bird lovers, and local citizens.

Among those present at the event were principal chief conservator of forests (administration) P. K. Upadhyay, additional principal chief conservator of forests K. C. Arun Prasad, CCF Anup K. R., CCF Ashutosh Ojha, DFO Kumar Shubham, DFO Brajmohan Gupta, senior scientist of WII and breeding centre coordinator Sutirtha Dutta, MLA Chhotu Singh Bhati, BJP district president Dalpat Hingra, BJP leader Aidan Singh Bhati and Arun Purohit.

The event was organized to create awareness regarding the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard, environmental protection, and biodiversity conservation. Addressing the gathering, minister Sanjay Sharma said that under the leadership of Rajasthan chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, the state government is continuously undertaking effective and long-term measures for the protection and propagation of the Great Indian Bustard.

He said the Godawan is not merely a bird but an important symbol of Rajasthan’s rich biodiversity, natural heritage, and desert ecosystem.

The government, he said, is working with scientific methods, modern technology, and public participation to ensure the survival of the species.

The minister highlighted the important role being played by the breeding centres at Sam and Ramdevra, stating that positive results are now clearly visible. According to him, the population of the Great Indian Bustard is steadily increasing and significant improvement has also been recorded in breeding success.

He appealed to the public, especially youth and students, to become more sensitive towards wildlife and environmental conservation, emphasizing that community participation and public awareness are crucial for strengthening the Godawan conservation movement.

Earlier in the day, the Forest Minister also planted a Peepal sapling at the Desert National Park as a message for environmental protection and a greener Rajasthan. He later visited the sanctuary area and undertook a safari in the Desert National Park to observe the natural habitat of the Great Indian Bustard and other desert wildlife species. He also interacted with forest officials and frontline staff engaged in conservation work and reviewed ground-level protection measures.

During the programme, wildlife enthusiast Vasna Ram shared detailed information about the Great Indian Bustard’s characteristics, natural habitat, lifestyle, and the desert ecosystem. He emphasized that the Godawan is an important symbol of Rajasthan’s biodiversity and collective efforts are essential for its protection.

On the occasion of Godawan Day, winners of speech, essay-writing, painting, and other competitions organized in schools were honoured by minister Sanjay Sharma. Students enthusiastically participated in the events and spread awareness about environmental conservation and saving the Great Indian Bustard. The minister also distributed symbolic motorcycle keys to departmental staff and provided RO systems, fans, mats, water bottles, and bags to schools.