Delhi Earth Walks Conducts a Learning Workshop on the Great Indian Bustard
The Need of the Hour: Saving the Godawan - A report of the Great Indian Bustard workshop organised at Nehar Sahibi Farm
Date: 01 March 2026
Location: Nehar Sahibi Farm
Location Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pJpYNZY7pBtGjyvE6
Workshop Leader: Dr. Sumit Dookia
Workshop Theme: Conservation Conversation - Efforts for the Godawan
Workshop Coordinator: Salil Dutta
No. of participants: 19
The Great Indian Bustard or Godawan is a critically endangered species according to the IUCN Red List Assessment published in 2018. To draw attention to the people's conservation efforts. Asian Adventures, along with Global Wildlife Fair, Delhi Tourism and ERDS Foundation, had organised a workshop on the same issue in Nehar Sahibi Farm. The workshop began with the workshop leader describing the species' grave situation. The Great Indian Bustard is found prominently in Rajasthan, and its population has been rapidly dwindling. In the last 50 years, 90% of their population has declined, leaving the species on the verge of extinction. Efforts have been undertaken by various organisations and local authorities to boost their population. Among these organisations, one of the notable contributions has been that of the ERDS Foundation.
While sipping the hot tea and snacks and enjoying the serene surroundings of the Nehar Sahibi Farm, the participants, wrapped in attention, were all ears to the engaging discussion that was unfolding. The walk leader explained the population segregation of the Godawan across Rajasthan and emphasised the reasons that are pushing the depletion of the species. These include deforestation, which leads to the diminishing of their habitat, hunting and direct disturbance. From leading workshops in different regions to trying to inculcate the species as a symbol to be worshipped in local festivities to even building temples for the same, the cooperation from the locals has been there.
The foundation has worked tirelessly with the locals to bring about a change, and works closely with the government organisations to get protection for the species. The efforts have finally begun to bear fruit, as the increased strictness has led to a rapid decrease in poaching activities and arrests of the culprits. Moreover, special events such as the commemoration of the death anniversary of a godawan who died after a collision with the high-power transmission line have become a regular feature. The team, which comprises people from every field: scientists, wildlife enthusiasts, locals, and volunteers have worked together to save the state bird of Rajasthan.
The participants were involved in the workshops and were keenly interested in knowing how they could contribute to the conservation. Once the presentation ended, he was surrounded by participants who asked him ample questions regarding the species behaviour and further such workshops that would be held. These were duly answered by him. Overall, the workshop was a huge success, not just in terms of the number of people who participated but also in terms of the amount of interest they had shown in this initiative.
The workshop ended on a high note, and you can even add value to your Sundays by being a part of meaningful walks and workshops. Become a part of Earth Walks and discover aspects of ecology and urban biodiversity of which you are unaware. To be a part, click here https://asianadventures.info/p/af0725/