BHOPAL : GIB Bird Sanctuary in Shivpuri is likely to be shut down as the bird Son Chiraiya (Great Indian Bustard-GIB) for which it was notified has vanished and has not been seen for past several years. Forest department has no plan to bring GIB pairs from other states to this sanctuary and revive it.
As the reports of its closure gain momentum, locals are putting pressure on the administration to return their land. The sanctuary was developed on private and revenue land.
In 2005, 10 son chiraiyas were located at the sanctuary. In 2008, the number decreased to three and in 2011 to one. In 2013, the birds disappeared from the site. Presently, the population of The Great Indian Bustard is less than 200 in India. It is amongst the 189 bird species that are at the verge of extinction in the world.
The GIB (Karera Sanctuary) was notified in 1981 by the Government of Madhya Pradesh as per the provisions of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. It is spread over an area of 202 square kilometers, of which 146 square kilometers is private land.
Chief conservator of forests, Shivpuri, S S Mohanta told Free Press that all options are open before government, which has to take a final decision. A committee comprising collector and other officials has been constituted. The committee will give its opinion to the government. “Sanctuary was developed with government and private land. So, if it is de-notified, land will have to be returned. But it depends on government but it is true that for the last many years, GIB has not been sighted,” he said.
When asked whether government has plans to bring GIBs from other states and keep them at Karera sanctuary, Mohanta said, “It is unlikely but committee will take a decision in this regard.”
