India pushes landscape‑level conservation at Gujarat review meeting

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav chaired a review meeting in Bhuj, Gujarat, to assess the status of the Great Indian Bustard, grassland restoration efforts and Project Cheetah. Yadav highlighted that India is moving from species‑specific actions to a landscape‑level conservation model. He said the new approach will link bustard habitats with wider grassland corridors and integrate cheetah re‑introduction plans. The meeting reviewed recent surveys of bustard populations, noted ongoing grassland planting projects, and examined the latest steps in preparing sites for the cheetah. Officials reported that restoring native grasslands is key to both bird and mammal recovery. Yadav urged state and central agencies to coordinate planning, funding and monitoring under the broader landscape framework. The minister promised that the revised strategy will align with international benchmarks for ecosystem protection.