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Posted 23 Mar 2024

2 min read

  • SC constituted an expert committee to examine feasibility and extent of installing overhead and underground powerlines in GIB habitats. 
    • In April, 2021, SC had ordered power companies in Rajasthan and Gujarat to make the high-tension power lines underground so that GIB do not get caught in the web.
  • Committee is headed by Director, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun and is required to submit its report to Court on or before July 31, 2024.

 

  • Reasons for reconsidering the earlier direction 
    • Areas is critical to protection of GIB
      • With the exception of some areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat, 90% of GIB’s habitat has vanished. 
      • Due to their lack of frontal vision, birds are unable to see overhead powerlines in front of them from a distance and are too heavy to move around them in close quarters.
    • Area falling in GIB habitat is also crucial for development of solar energy sector and undergrounding power lines are difficult as:
      • It will put huge fiscal burden (around Rs. 55,000 crore). 
      • Underground cable would pass through agricultural fields which is a safety concern as the cable might get punctured due to agricultural activities.

 

About Great Indian Bustard

  • Habitat include arid and semi-arid grasslands, open country with thorn scrub, tall grass interspersed with cultivation. It avoids irrigated areas.
  • Rajasthan has the highest population and it is endemic to Indian Sub-continent. 
  • IUCN Status: Critically Endangered 
  • Important Sites: Desert National Park Sanctuary (Rajasthan), Naliya (Gujarat), Warora (Maharashtra) and Bellary (Karnataka)
  • Tags :
  • Great Indian Bustard (GIB)
  • Power lines and GIB
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