Considering the importance of conservation of this critically endangered species, the 'Project Great Indian Bustard' has formally been launched. This would make Rajasthan the first state in the country to announce a conservation plan for GIB.

"Chief minister Ashok Gehlot has agreed to sanction an immediate grant of Rs 12.90 crore for the conservation of the GIB. However, an amount of Rs 4.55 crore will be put aside for conservation during the year 2013-14," said minister of tourism, environment and forest Bina Kak.

The action plan envisages increasing the population of these birds by addressing primary factors of habitat improvement and habitat protection. While the GIB population at present has been estimated around 250 in five states where they are found, the numbers in Rajasthan are estimated around 100. "The species, known as ardeotis nigriceps, is critically endangered because it has an extremely small population that has undergone a rapid decline owing to a multitude of threats including habitat loss and degradation, hunting and direct disturbance.

"This will be an important step towards conservation of the GIB. An enclosure of 2500 hectare, creating a clear space of 2000 ha, creating water holes and adequate security supervision of the birds will be taken care of under the project. Besides, cases of poaching will be dealt with strictly," said Kak.