New Delhi, April 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the return of blackbucks to Chhattisgarh’s grasslands during the 133rd episode of his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program on Sunday. He noted that this marks a significant achievement in wildlife conservation in central India.
After years of local extinction and ongoing conservation efforts, these beautiful antelopes are once again roaming freely in the state’s natural landscapes, symbolizing the revival of our dwindling biological heritage.
The successful return of blackbucks is attributed to a dedicated five-year restoration program centered at the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary. Following their local extinction in 2017, the state forest department initiated a strategic reintroduction plan, transferring blackbucks from the National Zoo in New Delhi and the Kanan Pendari Zoo in Bilaspur.
PM Modi also pointed out the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, which has seen renewed hope through advanced breeding programs. Recent achievements include successful breeding of chicks in Gujarat under an inter-state initiative, where eggs were brought from Rajasthan to revive the local population. The Prime Minister praised the evolving relationship between humans and wildlife in the region.
Additionally, he mentioned that a community-driven model is effectively reducing human-elephant conflicts in Chhattisgarh. Local villagers in Uttar Pradesh have formed dedicated teams known as “Elephant Friends” to monitor elephant activities.
Using drones and WhatsApp alerts, these volunteers provide timely warnings to their communities, ensuring the safety of both crops and lives. This proactive shift towards coexistence has significantly reduced conflicts and increased public trust.
By involving local citizens as primary guardians of their environment, the state is fostering a culture of conservation that balances developmental needs with the preservation of India’s diverse wildlife.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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