Camel population rapidly declining in Rajasthan; government schemes failing to reach beneficiaries: Know the full truth
मुख्य बातें
- •The camel population in Rajasthan dropped from 326,000 in 2012 to 213,000 in 2019.
- •Despite being declared the state animal and the launch of multiple government schemes, camel herders are struggling to access benefits.
- •Demand for camel milk has surged, with prices ranging from ₹80 to ₹150 per liter.
- •Camel-wool handicrafts are popular among tourists, strengthening the rural economy.
For centuries, camels have been the backbone of transportation, agriculture, and culture across the arid lands of Rajasthan. Yet, despite being the state animal, these creatures now teeter on the brink of extinction. In 2014, the Rajasthan government declared the camel as its state animal and enacted the Rajasthan Camel Act in 2015 to curb illegal trade and slaughter. Additionally, the government launched the Ustra Conservation Scheme, under which camel herders receive ₹20,000 in two installments for the birth of a camel calf (*Todia*). The Chief Minister Mangla Animal Insurance Scheme also provides up to ₹40,000 in coverage for camel deaths caused by road accidents or other reasons. Despite these efforts, the camel population continues to decline.
