Recovery programme for Great Indian Bustard

NEW DELHI: At least fifteen species of bustards including Great Indian Bustard have been shortlisted for initiating their recovery programme, environment minister Jairam Ramesh told Lok Sabha.

"Financial provision of Rs 10 crore for such recovery programmes have been made in the existing centrally-sponsored scheme 'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats'," he said adding conservationists have been requesting for launching 'Project Bustard'.

Replying to a written question, he said that financial assistance to the extent of Rs 39.58 lakh has been provided during the current year for conservation of Great Indian Bustard in Rajasthan.

Ramesh said that two Great Indian Bustards were sighted at Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan in the first week of August this year.