New Delhi, August 26: India has emphasized its proposed plan to relocate cheetahs to the Banni grasslands in Kutch during the 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The country highlighted the crucial role of local communities in the conservation and restoration of grasslands.
Addressing the ministerial dialogue at the conference held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav stated that India has gained significant experience in restoring grasslands and pastures through a coordinated approach of scientific planning and community involvement.
He remarked, “Successful restoration is only possible when pastoral communities are regarded not just as beneficiaries but as custodians of conservation. The blend of traditional knowledge and modern science can provide environmentally effective, economically viable, and socially inclusive solutions.”
The Banni grasslands are located in the northern part of the Great Rann of Kutch and host over 60 types of grasses. The Maldhari pastoral community, which spans 19 villages, manages these grasslands. Their buffalo and Kankrej cattle have grazed in this area for over 400 years.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has approved the transfer of two pairs, or four cheetahs, from Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh to Banni. Preparations for enclosures have been completed, and prey species have been released for the cheetahs.
Bhupender Yadav noted that India’s pastures extend from the Himalayan grasslands to the savannas of central India, the arid regions of Thar and Kutch, and the Shola forests in southern India. These areas are the foundation for the country’s vast livestock and human population.
He explained that a satellite-based desertification and land degradation atlas is aiding in the identification and scientific planning for the restoration of grasslands, while grazing rights and community forest resource rights empower local communities.
The minister also cited the example of Rajasthan’s ‘Oran’. He mentioned that nearly 25,000 community-protected sacred forest areas across the country cover about six lakh hectares, exemplifying local communities’ conservation traditions and protecting habitats for rare species like the Great Indian Bustard.
Bhupender Yadav emphasized that deeply rooted grasses enhance carbon sequestration in the soil and aid in water infiltration and groundwater recharge. He stressed the need for better access to finance, technology, and knowledge for the restoration of pastures in developing countries, stating that India is ready to share its experiences under South-South cooperation in this field.
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