About Us
This Group serves in a voluntary discipline to conserve natural resources – endangered species and threatened habitats. It has been responsible for leading the Bustard conservation since 1979 when it hosted the first ever International Symposium on Bustards (1, 2, and 3 November 1980 at Jaipur). Today less than 100 Great Indian Bustards are left in the wild and 95% are located in Jaisalmer region (India’s Thar Desert). After pleas made for about four decades, the Government at long last has commenced in 2019 ex-situ breeding of Great Indian Bustard. Chicks available are to be reintroduced in wild to step up population of this critically endangered species. Lesser Florican, another Bustard species, is receiving likewise attention – ex situ breeding at Shonkaliya (Ajmer region, India).
Keoladeo National Park
As flowing water was denied to this renowned wetland of international repute (2004-05), this Group sued the Government before the Supreme Court of India (CEC Report). So options now are: (i) The Gambhir River if it would flow (Panchana dam caused its stoppage) (ii) The Chambal River pipeline (meant for drinking purposes of people) which supplies little water (iii) Goverdhan Drain which brings in toxic water, and (iv) Rain god, not kind annually. We are actively involved in getting the issues sorted out in association with Government, WWF-India, stake holders etc. Working with Dr. George Archibald, Co-Founder of International Crane Foundation (Baraboo, Wisconsin, US) to reintroduce Siberian Cranes in this Park, they had become extinct there during 2002.
Man Sagar dam
More than 400-year old this scenic heritage lake north of Jaipur has been restored (2003-09) beyond imagination, a unique example, using eco system based initiatives, as exercised by Jal Mahal Resorts Pvt Ltd, led by NR Kothari and associates. The annual Indian Birding Fair is held at this lake since 1997.
Environmental Education
Holding international and domestic workshops to impart EE to school teachers, students and others, the group has been supported by EECG (Edward J. Mc Crea, Heather, Brad, Bora Simmens, WWF-India, Manoj Sharma, etc). Hundreds of teachers are benefitted through this drive held at Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bhilwara besides Jaipur.
Deep Ecology (Bishnois)
Eulogizing what Bishnoi people started practising during the 15th century in the Thar Desert to uphold conservation values, this Group is trying to re-designate their most outstanding ethos to let people receive maximum by conserving flora and fauna – “sir santhe roonkh rehe to bhi sasto jaan” (a tree saved at cost of one’s head be treated as a cheap deal). Welcome to know more.
Tiger Conservation
Rs 79.7 billion has been the ‘flow benefit’ from 6 Tiger Reserves (Corbett, Kanha, Kaziranga, Periyar, Ranthambhore and Sundarbans), as per an IIFM Study. Tiger gives all this to people yet Tiger, in a way, gets nothing. A major issue for the mega predator. This group is involved in a challenging task to let stake holders receive their long assured dues from tiger tourism.
White-naped Tit
The bird is observed at a few places across India including at Nahargarh forest north of Jaipur where its breeding facilities are being created. Another population is in Udaipur region, at Kund and near Rewari in Haryana.
House Sparrow
To check declining population of this house hold bird, Nest Boxes have been created which people are using at homes. As a result, a few thousand sparrows are recruited across the urban landscape of Jaipur. A book is done and dedicated to MGD Girls’ School.
Indian Birding Fair
Commenced in 1997, with the sole objective of conserving Man Sagar lake (Jaipur, India), it is an annual event and the main conservation plank for a large number of young and budding conservationists. It is Citizens’ Initiative. This group is proud to be its author. It is held in association with some overseas experts and conservation organizations.
Bird Watch Trail
Monthly activity, leading interested citizens to bird sites (gardens, lakes, hills, etc), and making them understand why birds are essential to survive in human impacted scenarios. Our Volunteers lead the trail and by using binoculars, spot-scopes, bird guide books, they convey to people what they had seldom experienced in life.
Responsible Tourism
The ideal way out – sustainable ways of living with Nature. This group has caused examples like khaki uniforms given to Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve employees, RSPB binoculars gifted to forest guards, nature escorts, guides etc. OPTICRON and RSPB provide binocs to us.
