Amid security concerns post-Operation Sindoor, 9 Great Indian Bustard chicks shifted from Jaisalmer to Ajmer

These birds are very sensitive to loud noises. In the situation that developed during and after India's Operation Sindoor, the process of shifting was adopted to avoid any untoward incident

An official told the news agency PTI that nine Great Indian Bustard chicks aged 5 to 28 days were sent from Jaisalmer to Ajmer in soft suspension vehicles due to increased drone activity and loud noises during Operation Sindoor, which India launched against Pakistan's terror network. Great Indian Bustard birds are very sensitive to loud noises and in the situation that developed during and after India’s Operation Sindoor, the process of shifting was adopted to avoid any untoward incident.

Brijmohan Gupta, DFO, Desert National Park (DNP) said that the chicks have been sent from Sudasari and Ramdevra breeding centres to Arwar village of Ajmer district.

The country’s only Bustard Recovery Program is being conducted at Sam and Ramdevra centres, which are just a few kilometres from the International Border in Jaisalmer.

Brijmohan Gupta said that after the Sindoor operation, the activities of Pakistani drones increased in Jaisalmer. Given the security threats, a team of scientists and officials decided to shift the bird to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) centre located in Arwar for its protection.

This is a joint initiative of the WII and the state’s forest department, and it resulted in the birthing of about 18 chicks this year.He said that the shifting would ensure the continuity of the conservation programme for the birds, which were classified as ”critically endangered” in 2011.

There are 59 Great Indian Bustards, including chicks in the breeding centre, out of which, after shifting nine to Ajmer, now 50 are left, he said. All the chicks were transported in two specially designed vehicles with a unique soft suspension.

Special cushioned compartments with sand bedding were arranged so that the chicks would have a comfortable journey while being transported. In the coming weeks, it will be decided whether to keep them there permanently or bring them back once the situation stabilises.