Kutch: The state government will allocate Rs. 10 crore to develop a caracal breeding and conservation center in the Chadva Rakhal area near Samatra village in Kutch. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel made this announcement at a function organized at the Shyamji Krishna Verma Memorial in Mandvi, Kutch.

This area will be managed as a caracal breeding and conservation site for the long-term conservation and breeding of the caracal (henotaro), which is extremely rare across the country and only found in the Kutch district of Gujarat.

In addition to caracals, Chadwa Rakhal is home to 28 mammals, 28 reptiles, and 242 exotic species, including leopards, crocodiles, and chinkaras. In total, this area boasts a remarkable diversity of 296 animal species, representing an important natural heritage of Kutch. Additionally, there is botanical diversity with 243 plant species in this area.

With potential for wildlife and botanical research, this area also has opportunities for eco-tourism activities.

The possession of 4,900 hectares of land in Chadwa Rakhal was handed over to the state government by the erstwhile royal family of Kutch in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

The revenue department of the state government has transferred this land in Chadwa Rakhal to the forest department for the conservation and enhancement of natural resources.

Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel has provided a significant gift during the ongoing Wildlife Week celebrations by allocating Rs. 10 crore to develop the Caracal Breeding and Conservation Center in the Chadwa Rakhal area. DeshGujarat