The Jaisalmer unit of the Rajasthan forest department is set to organize events on Thursday to commemorate the day when the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), locally known as Godawan, was officially declared the state bird of Rajasthan. Forest and Environment Minister Sanjay Sharma is expected to attend the main event and announce May 21 as 'Godawan Diwas,' marking the date in 1982 when the species was formally recognized as the state bird amid growing concerns over its declining population.
Background and Significance
Wildlife experts have noted that conservationists have long advocated for an annual recognition of this date. Senior wildlife biologist Dr. Sumit Dookia highlighted that the ERDS Foundation recently proposed dedicating May 21 to the species, linking it to its official recognition by the state government. In response to the challenges facing GIB conservation, the Rajasthan government launched 'Project Great Indian Bustard' in 2013, focusing on protection and habitat preservation, alongside community engagement and conservation breeding efforts initiated in 2019.
Government Announcement and Activities
Deputy Conservator of Forests B.M. Gupta stated that the state government announced in the Vidhan Sabha two years ago its intention to celebrate May 21 as 'Godawan Diwas.' Gupta emphasized the importance of continued awareness and commitment to preserving the GIB, which is a symbol of Rajasthan's ecological heritage. To engage the public, educational competitions including quizzes, speeches, and essays have been organized at Utkarsh Jain Bhawan in Jaisalmer. Additionally, statues of the Godawan will be unveiled in the Sudasari area.
Conservation Challenges
The Great Indian Bustard has experienced a significant decline due to habitat loss and infrastructure expansion. By 2011, its population fell below 300, prompting the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to classify it as 'critically endangered.' The latest census indicates that only 41 individuals remain in the wild, with threats including collisions with renewable energy structures such as wind turbines and power lines. These events aim to raise public awareness and reinforce the commitment to saving this iconic species from extinction.
