Question : GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD

(a) whether the Great Indian Bustard, locally called as ‘Godavan’ is one of the critically endangered bird species in India;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor indicating all the bird species which are critically endangered;

(c) whether the Government proposes to start ‘Project Bustard’ on the lines of ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘project Elephant’ to check the declining population of Great Indian Bustard and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government also proposes to set up a National Conservation for Breeding Centres for the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard, if so, the details thereof and the locations identified for the purpose including the action taken by the Government so far in this regard; and

(e) the time by which the said centres are likely to be set up?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a),(b)&(c) Yes, Sir. The Great Indian Bustard is one of the critically endangered species of bird in India and is confined to 6 states viz., Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Population of this species is estimated to be less than 300. The population of this species is declining due to loss and degradation of its habitats due to agricultural activities and other anthropogenic activities. As per the Red Data Book of International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), there are 15 Critically Endangered species of birds in India. The details are at Annexure.

Great Indian Bustard has been identified as one of the species under the component ‘Recovery programmes for saving critically endangered species and habitats’ of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’. Presently there is no proposal to start ‘Project Bustard’ on the lines of ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ under consideration of the Ministry.

(d)&(e) Based on the recommendation of the workshop held on 17.1.2014 on ‘Feasibility and Roadmap for Great Indian Bustard Captive Breeding’ the Ministry has initiated the process of establishing a National Conservation Breeding Centre for the Great Indian Bustard. The state of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra have been requested to consider making available about 4 square kilometer of suitable land and contribute 50% of the envisaged capital cost of Rs.30 crores over a two year period. Also a long term commitment of 50% of an estimated annual running cost of about Rs. 2 crores for about 15 years has been sought from them. The proposal is still in its initial stage and hence no time limit can be specified.