Daily News Analysis ‘Banni Grassland & The Chhari-Dhand Ecosystem’ : 29 May

Why in News: 

• Local pastoralist communities and conservationists have launched public protests against a massive proposed renewable energy solar project slated for construction across the ecologically fragile Banni grasslands and the adjacent Ramsar-protected Chhari-Dhand wetland in Gujarat.

Key Facts: Understanding the Banni Grassland & Ramsar Interface

• Geographic Profile: Banni is one of Asia’s largest natural grassland ecosystems, covering an expansive area of 2,600 square kilometers across the northern belt of the arid Kachchh district in Gujarat.
• The Chhari-Dhand Conservation Reserve: Situated at the heart of the Banni ecosystem, Chhari-Dhand is a highly delicate wetland system designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, serving as a critical global refuge for lakhs of migratory avian species.
• Community Stewardship: The landscape is traditionally populated and managed by the Maldharis (primarily including the Fakirani Jat and Mutva communities), a traditional nomadic pastoralist group whose migratory grazing loops naturally regenerate the soil and maintain regional ecological balances.
• Ecological Flora Diversity: The landscape naturally supports more than 70 native varieties of nutrient-rich wild grasses, which directly fuel a high-yield local livestock and dairy economy without relying on commercial agricultural feeds.
• The Kiro Hill Landmark: Rising abruptly above the flat Banni plains is Kiro Hill, an ancient extinct volcano rich in marine fossils.