Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Banni Grassland Revival Could Elevate Kutch’s Global Tourism Profile
Banni is a very large grassland area in Kutch.
For a long time, it was wrongly treated as unused land.
Now people are working to restore its plants, animals and natural balance.
On Independence Day, 20 blackbucks were released there after health checks and quarantine.
Blackbucks are one of the native animals that can help make the grassland healthier.
Banni also has wild asses, chinkaras, desert foxes and more than 300 kinds of birds.
These animals and birds could attract visitors interested in wildlife and nature.
That could bring tourists to Kutch during more months of the year, not only during Rann Utsav.
It may also strengthen Kutch’s reputation as an international nature-tourism destination.
The nearly 2,500-square-kilometre Banni Grasslands are undergoing ecological revival and emerging as a nature-tourism destination.
The Gujarat Forest Department and Vantara released 20 blackbucks into Banni on Independence Day after screening, quarantine and regulatory clearances.
Banni is already home to wild asses, chinkaras, desert foxes and more than 300 bird species.
Wildlife safaris, birdwatching and nature experiences could help Kutch attract visitors beyond the October-to-March tourism season.
The revival could complement Rann Utsav, Dholavira and Dhordo, creating a more diverse and year-round tourism ecosystem.
- Who
- The Gujarat Forest Department, Vantara, the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, and Maldhari communities are connected with the Banni revival; 20 blackbucks were released.
- What
- Banni Grasslands are being restored through conservation efforts, including the release of 20 blackbucks, while nature-based tourism is being developed.
- When
- The blackbuck release took place on Independence Day; the article does not specify the year.
- Where
- The initiative is taking place in the Banni Grasslands of Kutch, Gujarat.
- Why
- The effort aims to rebuild ecological balance, support native wildlife and diversify Kutch tourism beyond its October-to-March peak season.
- Banni’s area
- Nearly 2,500 square kilometres
- Blackbucks released
- 20 total: five males and 15 females
- Existing biodiversity
- Wild asses, chinkaras, desert foxes and more than 300 bird species
- Tourism season
- Kutch tourism has traditionally depended heavily on October-to-March visits
- Rann Utsav visitors
- Attendance grew from 1.8 lakh in 2021–22 to more than 10 lakh in recent years
- Related tourism assets
- Dhordo is recognised as a UNESCO Best Tourism Village, while Dholavira adds heritage appeal