Delhi's Qutub Minar light show to highlight Great Indian Bustard conservation on World Environment Day

JAISALMER: In a significant initiative aimed at raising awareness about the conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (Godawan), a spectacular visual projection and light display dedicated to the iconic bird will be showcased at the historic in New Delhi on World Environment Day, June 5.

The special event will be held between 8 PM and 10 PM and will celebrate the remarkable journey of conservation and revival efforts undertaken to save one of India's rarest bird species from extinction.

The visual presentation will highlight the success stories, challenges, and ongoing initiatives associated with the protection of the Great Indian Bustard and its fragile grassland ecosystem.

The programme is being organized through a collaboration between Godawan Estuary Premium Water, the (ASI), and at a time when awareness regarding Great Indian Bustard conservation is steadily increasing across the country.

Recently, Prime Minister highlighted the Great Indian Bustard in the 133rd episode of his radio programme Mann Ki Baat. Earlier this year, Rajasthan also observed its first-ever on May 21, further strengthening conservation efforts focused on the bird’s natural habitats.

Speaking about the initiative, Kedar Shrimal, President of Gramodaya Samajik Sansthan, said that the visual projection at Qutub Minar would showcase the story of the Great Indian Bustard’s conservation and encouraging population growth. He emphasized that the achievement belongs to all stakeholders, including local communities, conservation experts, the Forest Department, and private sector partners whose collective commitment has helped drive positive outcomes.

“This event is a celebration of hope, collaboration, and our shared commitment towards securing the future of this extraordinary species,” Shrimal said.

He further noted that one of the most encouraging aspects of the conservation movement is the growing cooperation among various stakeholders. Such partnerships are helping strengthen protection measures for the bird and its sensitive habitat while building greater public awareness and creating renewed optimism for the species’ survival.

Significant progress has also been reported from captive breeding programmes being operated by the Forest Department. These breeding centres have emerged as a crucial pillar of the conservation strategy and are showing promising results.

According to available data, the breeding centre at Ramdevra in Jaisalmer district currently houses 61 Great Indian Bustards, while the Sam breeding facility has recorded 25 birds. Conservationists expect these numbers to increase further in the coming years.

Officials believe that the continued success of advanced breeding and AI-assisted reproductive technologies could significantly boost the population in the future.

In addition, a recent scientific census conducted by the estimated that around 128 Great Indian Bustards are currently surviving in the wild across different field habitats in Jaisalmer district. Conservationists say these encouraging figures indicate a gradual recovery of the species that once stood on the brink of extinction.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of World Environment Day on June 5, the Jaisalmer Forest Department is launching a special campaign and a dedicated website to encourage people to plant more trees and promote environmental awareness.

Confirming the initiative, Jaisalmer DFO Kumar Shubham said that the department is introducing a website that will enable citizens to obtain saplings online from Forest Department nurseries for plantation activities. The website has been developed by him and will also provide detailed information about the various species of plants available at the nursery.

He said that through the portal, members of the public will be able to order saplings online with ease. The website will be formally launched on June 5 from the Forest Department's Dabla Nursery in Jaisalmer.

According to the DFO, this facility is expected to encourage greater public participation in tree plantation drives by making saplings more accessible. Citizens will be able to conveniently choose and obtain their preferred plant species from the nursery, thereby strengthening efforts towards environmental conservation and increasing green cover in the region.