Union Environment Minister visits Great Indian Bustard Habitat in Kachchh, Gujarat; Inaugurates GIB Soft Release Centre, Sayara Van Kavach and reviews Mangrove Plantation Efforts
Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav visited the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) habitat in Naliya, Kachchh, Gujarat, where he inaugurated a GIB Soft Release Centre and reviewed ongoing conservation and habitat-management measures. During his visit, he also inaugurated the Sayara Van Kavach, flagged off 33 new patrolling and rescue vehicles, and reviewed mangrove plantation efforts under the MISHTI programme at Jakhau.
Why It Matters
Questions on environment, biodiversity conservation initiatives, and specific wildlife species like the Great Indian Bustard frequently feature in civil services and competitive exams.
In Simple Words
Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav visited the Great Indian Bustard habitat in Naliya, Kachchh, to review conservation efforts. He inaugurated a Soft Release Centre designed to help GIBs adapt to the natural environment.
He also inaugurated the Sayara Van Kavach built using the Miyawaki method, flagged off 33 patrolling vehicles for forest circles, and reviewed mangrove plantation and seaweed initiatives under the MISHTI programme at Jakhau with local communities and the BSF.
Key Points
- Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav visited the GIB habitat at Naliya in Kachchh district, Gujarat, on 14th September 2026.
- A Soft Release Centre for the Great Indian Bustard was inaugurated to support monitoring, conservation, and gradual adaptation to the wild.
- About 11 sq. km. of grassland infested with Prosopis juliflora has been restored, and 30 km. of predator-proof fencing covering 15 sq. km. was raised.
- A landmark jump-start intervention successfully replaced an infertile egg with a viable egg, resulting in a chick surviving beyond its critical first three months.
- 33 new patrolling and rescue vehicles were flagged off for the Kutch Forest Circle.
- The Sayara Van Kavach was inaugurated over a 9.46 sq. km. site using the Miyawaki method with over 10,000 saplings across 47 native species.
- Mangrove plantation under the MISHTI programme has been completed across 27,652 hectares against a cumulative target of 29,250 hectares.
- Mangrove plantation and seaweed seed bank activities were reviewed at Jakhau alongside BSF personnel and local residents.
Exam Angle
𝕏 Official Update
A. MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats Tangible Incomes)
Source: Press Information Bureau