Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday said  the state government is taking initiatives to conserve endangered species of birds and animals.

Speaking at a function after releasing 25 vultures at the Jatayu Conservation Center in Pinjore, the Chief Minister said that the conservation and promotion of nature is the responsibility of every individual as deforestation has led to a shortage of shelter for animals and birds. Every person should commit to planting as many trees as possible and contributing to environmental conservation efforts, he added. The Chief Minister said that every living being, whether in the sky, water, or on land, plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature. Environment, Forests and Wildlife Minister Rao Nabir Singh was also present on this occasion.
 

 In line with these efforts, the state government has given special attention to the protection of the endangered vulture species. To support this initiative, a Jatayu conservation and breeding center was established in Pinjore. Currently, the center is home to 378 vultures.

Saini said that in the 1990s, the vulture population was in the crores, but it gradually decreased to lakhs. The primary cause of this decline was the use of diclofenac injections in dairy animals. When vultures consumed the carcasses of these animals, the residual effects of the drug began to harm the vultures, pushing the species to the brink of extinction, he added.

He said that for vulture conservation, the Bombay Natural History Society entered into an agreement with the Haryana government and took on the mission of increasing the vulture population in Pinjore, Haryana, through both natural and artificial breeding methods. “Today, this center is not only the largest of its kind in the country but also in Asia. The center houses 97 white-backed vultures, 219 long-beaked vultures, and 62 thin-beaked vultures. As of November 2024, a total of 404 chicks from these species have been born at the center. Today, 25 white-backed vultures were released into the open sky. The center is equipped with 8 nursery aviaries, 6 colony aviaries, 8 holding aviaries, 2 display aviaries, 4 hospital aviaries, 8 breeding aviaries, 1 green aviary, and 1 release aviary, from which 25 vultures were released,” he added.

The Chief Minister praised the efforts of the Jatayu Conservation Breeding Center team, urging them to extend their conservation work to Goriya sparrows as well. He assured that the government would provide full support for this initiative. He also mentioned that a Pakshi Niwas had been inaugurated on Monday at the Mata Mansa Devi Complex. During the event, a short film showcasing the Pinjore Vulture Reserve and the Jatayu Conservation Breeding Center was also screened.

Saini hails ‘one nation, one election’ Bill

Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing the One Nation-One Election Bill in Parliament, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday said that holding elections simultaneously will save both time and money. The development process would continue smoothly in the country and States, he added.

Talking to reporters after releasing 25 vultures at the Jatayu Conservation Center near Beed Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary in Pinjore, Panchkula, Saini criticized the Congress party, stating that they have always been in the habit of opposing the good work being done by the government. He pointed out that Congress ruled the country for 55 years, and if they had ever made any significant decisions for the welfare of farmers, they should share. He also mentioned that Congress currently governs Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, while the Aam Aadmi Party governs Punjab and Delhi. Despite this, farmers in these states are protesting and demonstrating. He accused both Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party of doing politics in the name of farmers.

Saini said that the Haryana government is consistently working in the best interest of farmers. He highlighted that the state government is purchasing 100 percent of crops at the minimum support price. Vegetable farmers are benefiting from the Bhavantar Yojana, and subsidies are being provided under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana.