Parliament Question: Support to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1491 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.02.2026 Support to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary 1491. SHRI PARIMAL NATHWANI: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has taken note of increasing ecological importance of Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, identified as the second natural habitat for Asiatic lions after Gir; (b) the details of measures undertaken or proposed by Government to strengthen conservation, habitat restoration and prey base augmentation within the sanctuary; (c) whether any specific funding support has been extended to Government of Gujarat under centrally sponsored schemes such as Project Lion or Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats for the development of Barda Sanctuary; and (d) if so, the quantum of funds released and utilized for the development? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a) to (d) The protection and management of wildlife is primarily the responsibility of the respective State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. Sanctuaries are managed as per the management plan.As informed by the State of Gujarat, the Forest Department has undertaken removal of invasive species, restoration of grasslands, augmentation of prey base such as chital, and establishment of breeding centre to increase the population of chital and sambhar. In addition, provisioning for rescue centre, patrolling vehicles, quick response team have also been made as part of management of Barda sanctuary. The Ministry provides financial assistance to State Government and Union Territory Administrations under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘ Development of Wildlife Habitats’ for management of wildlife and its habitats, as per the Annual Plan of Operations received from the States and Union Territories. A total of ₹48.52 lakh has been released as Central share to the State of Gujarat for Barda Sanctuary under the scheme during the last and current year, out of which ₹40.13 lakh has been utilized. ****