Jaisalmer: The Thar’s battle to save the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, or Godawan, from extinction received a major national recognition, with Rajasthan’s GIB Conservation Project winning the Special Projects/Best Project Award at the 4th Eco Warrior Awards 2026 in New Delhi on Tuesday evening.The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Conservation Project, one of India’s most significant initiatives to save the critically endangered and Schedule-I protected bird from extinction, was honoured with the Special Projects/Best Project Award at the 4th Eco Warrior Awards 2026 in New Delhi on Tuesday.The prestigious awards were organised by the Indian Forest Service Association (IFSA) and Indian Masterminds to recognise outstanding contributions to forest, wildlife and environmental conservation. Union minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav presided over the event.Project Great Indian Bustard in Rajasthan, along with Project Elephant, was recognised under the Special Projects category for its significant contribution towards species conservation and protection of grassland ecosystems.The award was received by Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Director Govind Sagar Bharadwaj, Project Scientist and Senior Veterinarian Dr Tushna Karkaria, Inspector General of Forests Dr Vaibhav C. Mathur and KCA Arun Prasad.The recognition highlights the collective commitment, scientific research and dedicated field-level efforts being undertaken to conserve the Great Indian Bustard, locally known as Godawan, and restore its fragile grassland habitat.The conservation programme includes advanced interventions such as captive breeding and artificial insemination, aimed at increasing the population and creating a viable source for future reintroduction into the wild.Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district is considered one of the last major strongholds of the Great Indian Bustard. The WII has established dedicated conservation breeding centres at Sam and Ramdevra, where captive breeding has produced nearly 100 birds.The programme is now focused on preparing suitable captive-bred birds for eventual release into their natural habitat in accordance with scientific assessment and established protocols.The Great Indian Bustard is among the heaviest flying birds in the world, weighing up to around 15 kg and reaching a height of nearly one metre. It is considered an important indicator of the health of grassland ecosystems.The species has suffered a drastic decline over the decades due to habitat loss, degradation of grasslands, historical hunting and other threats, including collisions with overhead power transmission lines. From an estimated 1,500–2,000 birds during the 1980s, its population has fallen to fewer than 200 in India.Rajasthan launched the Great Indian Bustard Project on June 5, 2013, with an initial allocation of Rs 12 crore. Since then, the conservation programme has developed into a major national effort involving forest officials, scientists, veterinarians and conservationists.The Eco Warrior Award is being seen as recognition of these sustained efforts to protect one of India’s most endangered bird species and preserve the Thar’s unique grassland ecosystem.Meanwhile, the event also recognised individual contributions to wildlife and habitat conservation. Savita Dahiya, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Barmer, Rajasthan, received the Special Jury Award for restoration of Tal Chhapar grassland and improvement of habitat for blackbucks and chinkaras.Her recognition highlighted field-level efforts towards restoring grassland ecosystems and strengthening habitats for important wildlife species.
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