Jaisalmer District Excels in Rajasthan's Camel Conservation Initiative
Amid concerning declines in camel populations across the region, the Rajasthan government's Ushtra Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan Yojana has identified Jaisalmer as the state's leading district in implementing this crucial conservation scheme. This strategic program aims to reverse the downward trend in camel numbers through targeted financial support and systematic monitoring.
Substantial Financial Support Reaches Local Herders
Official data reveals that approximately 700 camel herders in Jaisalmer have received direct financial assistance under the conservation initiative. Each herder obtained Rs 10,000 as the initial installment for newborn camel calves, with funds transferred electronically to their bank accounts to ensure transparency and efficiency. This disbursement covered a total of 3,300 camel calves born in the district.
Dr. Ankit Pandey, the veterinarian serving as scheme in-charge, confirmed that Jaisalmer's administration has distributed about Rs 3.3 crore to local camel breeders. "The district's exceptional performance in disbursing assistance efficiently positioned it at the top statewide," Dr. Pandey explained. He emphasized that the program's objectives extend beyond monetary support, focusing on sustainable population growth through comprehensive tagging, regular monitoring, and meticulous data recording for each calf.
Phased Assistance Structure Ensures Long-Term Care
Dr. Umesh Wargantiwar, Joint Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, detailed the scheme's structured approach. The program provides Rs 20,000 per camel calf distributed across multiple phases. The first installment is released immediately after birth once proper tagging and registration procedures are completed. Subsequent installments are disbursed after verifying the calf's continued survival and receiving adequate care throughout the designated monitoring period.
This phased methodology encourages herders to maintain high standards of animal welfare while ensuring the conservation scheme's funds directly contribute to viable camel population growth.
Addressing Economic Challenges Facing Camel Herders
Camel herder Sumer Singh Sanwata highlighted the economic pressures threatening traditional camel rearing. "Mechanization has dramatically reduced reliance on camels for farming, transportation, and daily labor," Sanwata noted. "As camel utility diminished and maintenance costs increased, our herds began shrinking significantly."
Padam Singh from Bhopa village, who maintains approximately 50 camels, reported receiving around Rs 1.4 lakh for newborn calves under the scheme. "The declining practical use of camels created severe financial strain," Singh acknowledged. "This conservation initiative renews our hope that camel rearing can once again become a sustainable livelihood source for our communities."
The Ushtra Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan Yojana represents a multifaceted approach to preserving Rajasthan's camel heritage while supporting the economic viability of traditional herding communities. Jaisalmer's exemplary implementation demonstrates how coordinated government intervention can address both conservation challenges and rural livelihood concerns simultaneously.
