Shri Bhupender Yadav reviews progress of Great Indian Bustard Conservation, Grassland Restoration and Project Cheetah at Bhuj; Releases Gujarat Action Plan for GIB Conservation

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change chaired a review meeting in Bhuj, Gujarat, focusing on flagship conservation programmes including Great Indian Bustard (GIB) conservation, grassland restoration, and Project Cheetah. During the meeting, the Gujarat Action Plan for GIB Conservation—prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India and the Gujarat Forest Department—was released to establish a viable population of over 30 birds in the Lala–Rawa landscape. The Minister highlighted landscape-level restoration efforts, invasive species removal, predator-proof fencing, and a jump-start intervention involving egg replacement. Additionally, a five-year national assessment for grassland restoration was announced, and progress under Project Cheetah was reviewed, noting a population of 52 individuals and planned future release sites.