Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Gujarat Inaugurates Great Indian Bustard Soft Release Centre in Kutch
A new centre has opened in Naliya to help protect the Great Indian Bustard.
This bird is critically endangered, which means very few are left.
The centre will help birds slowly get used to living in nature.
Workers are restoring grasslands and building fences to protect them from predators.
Scientists have also placed healthy eggs into nests where wild birds laid infertile eggs.
One chick from this effort has survived more than three months in the wild.
Officials also started new patrol vehicles and conservation projects involving local people.
These projects include planting forests, protecting mangroves and supporting seaweed growers.
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated a Great Indian Bustard soft release centre at Naliya in Gujarat’s Kutch district.
The centre will support the birds’ conservation, monitoring and gradual adaptation to the natural environment.
Officials reported restoration of 11 square kilometres of grassland and predator-proof fencing across 15 square kilometres.
A chick from the second “jump-start” intervention survived beyond three months in the wild, a landmark for Gujarat’s recovery efforts.
Yadav also flagged off 33 patrol vehicles and reviewed Van Kavach, mangrove, seaweed and community conservation initiatives.
- Who
- Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Gujarat forest officials, the Wildlife Institute of India, the Border Security Force and local communities.
- What
- A Soft Release Centre for the Great Indian Bustard was inaugurated, alongside reviews of habitat restoration, wildlife protection and related environmental projects.
- When
- September 14, 2026.
- Where
- Naliya and other sites in Gujarat’s Kutch district, including Sayara, Jakhau, Kori Creek and Sir Creek.
- Why
- To conserve the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, improve its habitat and support wider environmental protection and community participation.
- Centre location
- Naliya, Kutch district, Gujarat
- Grassland restoration
- Around 11 square kilometres affected by Prosopis juliflora
- Predator-proof fencing
- 30 kilometres covering 15 square kilometres
- Jump-start result
- A chick from the second attempt survived beyond three months in the wild
- Patrolling vehicles
- 33 new vehicles flagged off for protection, monitoring and quick response
- Van Kavach site
- 9.46 square kilometres with more than 10,000 saplings from 47 native species
- Expected Van Kavach benefits
- Lower local temperatures by 1.5–2 degrees Celsius, groundwater recharge, soil-erosion control and wildlife habitat