Five Decades After Disappearance, Blackbucks Return Strong in Chhattisgarh

*Chhattisgarh’s Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary Emerges as a Beacon of Blackbuck Revival* *From Local Extinction to Nearly 200 Strong, Chhattisgarh’s Conservation Efforts Earn National Recognition in Mann Ki Baat* Raipur, 26 April, 2026/ In the heart of Chhattisgarh, sprawled in 245 square kilometre Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary located in Balodabazar-Bhatapara district today stands as a quiet yet powerful testament to conservation success. Once a landscape that had long lost its graceful inhabitants, the sanctuary now shelters nearly 200 blackbucks—an achievement born from patience, scientific care, and deep ecological commitment. The sight of these blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) bounding across open grasslands in Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is more than just a visual delight; it is an emotional reminder that restoration is possible even after decades of absence. What was once silence has turned into a story of revival, echoing hope across the state’s conservation efforts. On Sunday, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said it is a matter of great pride that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi mentioned and appreciated Chhattisgarh’s blackbuck conservation efforts during the current episode of his popular radio programme Mann Ki Baat broadcasted on Sunday. He noted that such national recognition not only strengthens the identity of Chhattisgarh but also uplifts the morale of its people, especially those involved in grassroots conservation. The acknowledgment has brought renewed attention to the state’s environmental initiatives, placing Barnawapara firmly on the national conservation map. The journey to this milestone in Chhattisgarh has been marked by dedication and resilience. Blackbucks, which had nearly disappeared from Barnawapara after the 1970s and remained locally extinct for almost five decades due to encroachment and habitat destruction. The turning point came after approval from the 9th meeting of the State Wildlife Board organised in April 2018, leading to a carefully planned reintroduction, resulting to rise upto 200 in Chhattisgarh and eventually received honourable mention in PM Shri Modi’s Mann Ki Baat on Sunday. Defining the early challenges of rearing Blackbucks, Forest Officials said that after facing loss of around eight Blackbucks due to pneumonia, prompted critical improvements. Therefore, to solve this issue, few measures were adopted including spreading of sand layers across enclosures for firm ground, made proper drainage systems to prevent water stagnation, effective waste management, and the appointment of a dedicated veterinary doctor. Hence, sustained efforts from Chhattisgarh Forest Department reaped the result of stabilized population, which began to grow steadily, supported by proper nutrition and care. Today, their numbers have risen to nearly 200, signalling successful acclimatization and paving the way for their eventual release into the wild. *About the Blackbuck:* The Blackbuck is an endangered antelope found in the Indian subcontinent. Male blackbucks have a dark brown to black coat with long, spiral-shaped horns and white underparts, while females are light brown and usually do not have horns. They live in open grasslands and are active during the day, feeding mainly on grass and small plants. They grow about 74 to 84 CM tall. Males usually weigh between 20–57 KG, while females are lighter at 20–33 KG. The males’ twisted horns, which can grow up to 75 CM long, make them easy to recognize.