Little Rann of Kutch (LRK)
The Little Run for Resort and Safari
Indian wild ass reserve
The Indian wild ass lives in the Little Rann of Kutch called KHUR. The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary (IWAS) was established in 1973 to safeguard this species and now encompasses over 5,000 square kilometres. Many migratory birds, like the sarus crane, ducks, the Dalmatian pelican, and flamingoes, as well as land birds like the sandgrouse, francolin, and Indian bustard, call the refuge home. It also supports a variety of species, including the Indian wolf, desert fox, and nilgai.
Biosphere Reserve of Kutch
The Government of Gujarat declared the region as the Kutch Biosphere Reserve in 2008 in order to promote Kutch as a worldwide natural attraction. The goal of biosphere reserves is to encourage sustainable development in the surrounding area.
Salt panning is an important seasonal activity in the Rann of Kutch, where the majority of India's inland salt is produced. During the monsoon season, the Kutch's undersea table fills with seawater. When the tide recedes in October, salt workers migrate and use diesel pumps to pump saltwater into fields. The water is then evaporated by the natural climatic conditions, leaving just the salt crystals. Due to working in tough conditions in the fields for 6-7 months, salt panning employees suffer from serious health problems.
Fishing Ginger Prawns
Because of its strong demand in both domestic and international markets, prawn fishing contributes to the economy of the area. The ginger prawn (Metapenaeus kutchensis) is native to the region, and fishing for it is very seasonal. The Little Rann is flooded and briefly linked to the Gulf of Kutch during the monsoon season, which begins around July, allowing ginger prawn juveniles to enter the Rann. This marks the start of the prawn season, which runs from August until September.
