C’garh Sanctuary Revives Endangered Blackbuck, Gone Extinct Locally 56 Years Ago, Finds Mention In PM’s ‘Maan Ki Baat’
The turning point came after approval from the ninth meeting of the state wildlife board, held in April 2018, leading to a carefully planned reintroduction: Reports
RAIPUR: The endangered blackbuck species, locally extinct 56 years ago, has been revived in the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary in east Chhattisgarh, setting a milestone in the state's conservation efforts.
Once a landscape that had long lost its graceful inhabitants, the sanctuary now has nearly 200 blackbucks- an achievement born from patience, scientific care, and deep ecological commitment, a spokesman of the Chhattisgarh forest department said on Monday.
The conservation of the beautiful animal in the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary has found mention in the latest episode of the ‘Maan Ki Baat’, a radio programme of prime minister Narendra Modi.
“The sight of these blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra) bounding across open grasslands in Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is more than just a visual sight; it is an emotional reminder that restoration is possible even after decades of absence”, the spokesman said.
Blackbucks had nearly disappeared from the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning over 245 sq km in Baloda Bazar- Bhatapara district in east Chhattisgarh, after the 1970s and remained locally extinct for over five decades due to encroachment and habitat destruction.
The turning point came after approval from the ninth meeting of the state wildlife board, held in April 2018, leading to a carefully planned reintroduction.
The conservation efforts yielded revival of blackbuck population in the sanctuary, a forest officer said.
The forest officers faced challenges in the initial stages of blackbuck reintroduction in the sanctuary.
Eight blackbucks had died due to pneumonia, prompting the authorities to adopt fresh conservation measures including spreading of sand layers across enclosures for firm ground and developing proper drainage systems to prevent water stagnation.
The conservation efforts reaped the results of a stabilized population, which began to grow steadily, supported by proper nutrition and care.
Today, the blackbuck population has grown to over 200, signaling successful acclimatization and paving the way for their eventual release in the wild.
Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that it is a matter of pride that PM Mr. Modi mentioned and appreciated Chhattisgarh’s blackbuck conservation efforts in his latest radio programme, Maan Ki Baat.
