The Indian government has raised concerns over the rapidly decreasing number of camels in the country and is preparing new plans to protect and revive their population. Camels were known as the ship of the desert as they have been an important part of India’s desert culture and livelihood in Rajasthan and Gujarat. But now their numbers have been falling sharply over the years.
According to reports , the camel population in India has dropped from about 4 lakh in 2013 to just around 2.5 lakh in 2019 . In 1977 the count was nearly 11 lakh showing how serious the decline has become. Experts say that if this trend continues then camels could almost vanish from India’s deserts in the coming decades.
Several factors have contributed to this decline. One major reason is the law passed in Rajasthan that restricted camel transport and sale outside the state. The law was meant to protect camels but it ended up hurting breeders by closing down traditional camel markets and reducing their income. Many people gave up rearing camels as it became difficult to sustain their livelihood. Another major issue is the loss of grazing land as deserts and open fields are reducing due to construction and farming. Modern machines like tractors have replaced camels in transportation and agriculture reducing their usefulness.
So the government is planning to launch a special project called the National Camel Sustainability Initiative . This mission will be a combined mission of different ministries and state governments to work on camel conservation. The plan includes reforming strict laws, supporting camel breeders financially and promoting camel based industries such as camel milk products, eco-tourism and handicrafts. Officials also want to increase public awareness about the cultural and ecological importance of camels in desert life.
Camels are not just animals but a lifeline for many desert communities, helping with transport, farming and even tourism. Protecting them is vital for both culture and the environment. The government’s new steps are like a hope but experts say its success will depend on how well these plans are carried out and how much support reaches the people who live and work with camels every day.
