Taxpayer money flows while endangered Lesser Florican disappear

The Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus), locally known as Kharmore or the "farmer's friend" in Madhya Pradesh, has become the centre of controversy in the state's budget session. For the past two years, these endangered birds have been conspicuously absent from their designated sanctuaries, yet the Forest Department continues to allocate substantial funds for their conservation.

State MLA Pratap Grewal from Sardarpur recently questioned Forest Minister Dilip Ahirwar about this situation in the Legislative Assembly, bringing to light some troubling statistics.

The numbers tell a concerning story

According to Forest Minister Ahirwar's official response, the department has spent Rs. 172.86 lakh (approximately $230,000) over the past five years on Kharmore conservation efforts across the Sailana and Sardarpur Sanctuaries. However, during this same period, only 17 birds were recorded—all in Sardarpur Sanctuary—and none have been spotted anywhere in the state for the past two years.

The revelation raises serious questions about the efficacy of these conservation programmes and the allocation of public funds.

 Understanding the Kharmore: an ecological indicator

The Lesser Florican belongs to India's bustard family and is the smallest member of this critically endangered group. These migratory birds traditionally travel to grasslands in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra for breeding season each year.

Ecologically, the Kharmore serves a dual purpose:

• As an indicator species for healthy grassland ecosystems
• As a natural pest controller, feeding on insects that damage pulse crops like moong and urad

Their preference for the grasslands of Neemuch, Dhar, Jhabua, and Ratlam districts prompted the establishment of dedicated sanctuaries at Sailana and Sardarpur. Yet despite these protected areas, the birds have vanished.

Why have the birds disappeared?

Wildlife experts point to several factors contributing to the Kharmore's absence:

1. Proliferation of wind energy projects disrupting their habitat
2. Rapidly changing agricultural practices affecting grassland ecosystems
3. Insufficient collaboration between local communities and forest authorities

"This situation raises serious questions not only about the transparency of government schemes but also about the effectiveness of conservation efforts," notes wildlife expert Rashid Noor Khan.

Sanctuary reorganization amid conservation failure

Adding another dimension to the controversy, Forest Minister Ahirwar announced plans to reduce Sardarpur Sanctuary's area from 215.28 square kilometres, redistributing portions to Kuno National Park, Karmajhiri Sanctuary, and a proposed new sanctuary in Sagar district.

The timing of this reorganisation—occurring when the sanctuary has failed in its primary conservation mission—has raised eyebrows among environmental advocates.

Absence patterns reveal management issues

The Forest Department's own records show a disturbing pattern:

• No Kharmore sightings in Sardarpur Sanctuary for two years
• No Kharmore sightings in Sailana Sanctuary for five years

Despite these absences, conservation funds continue to flow, prompting questions about financial oversight and program effectiveness.

The case of Madhya Pradesh's missing Kharmore birds highlights a broader challenge in wildlife conservation: ensuring that funds allocated actually translate to effective protection of endangered species. As this issue gains attention in the Legislative Assembly, it provides an opportunity to reform conservation approaches and establish greater accountability.

The continued absence of these "farmer's friends" should serve as a warning about the health of central India's grassland ecosystems. Effective conservation will require not just financial investment but transparent implementation, scientific monitoring, and genuine community engagement.

Only then might the distinctive "turr-turr" calls of the Kharmore once again echo across Madhya Pradesh's grasslands. 

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