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Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Why an SC-appointed panel is batting for ‘power corridors' for the Great Indian Bustard in Rajasthan and Gujarat
A committee appointed by the Supreme Court has proposed dedicated corridors for renewable power lines in Rajasthan and Gujarat in order to protect the Great Indian Bustard (GIB). The committee has suggested that existing lines should be rerouted, and some stretches should be sent underground. The seven-member committee was set up in March 2024 to suggest steps for the conservation of the critically endangered bird while balancing it with the growth of renewable energy infrastructure in its habitat. The committee has submitted its recommendations to the Supreme Court, which will take them up next month. The matter before the top court seeks to bring the GIB and Lesser Florican back from the brink, and to protect them from the danger of collisions with power lines, which contributes to the decline of their population. Fewer than 150 GIB individuals survive in the wild. Over the years, its population has declined due to hunting, habitat loss, and poaching of their eggs by humans, as well as the preying on their eggs by predators. The birds also have a naturally low rate of reproduction. Over the past decade, the expansion of renewable energy projects in the bustard habitat has increased the threat. The birds' poor frontal vision and heavy bodies result in their crashing fatally into power transmission lines. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has estimated that the deaths of even 4-5 birds by electrocution every year can lead to the extinction of the GIB within 20 years. Committee and its mandate In an order passed on March 21, 2024, a three-judge SC Bench led by then Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud modified an April 2021 order of the court that had imposed blanket directions to bury overhead power lines underground in more than 80,000 sq km in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Both orders were passed in a long-running petition filed by retired bureaucrat M K Ranjitsinh, who has sought protection for GIBs from power lines. In its 2024 order, the SC noted that the area in which the undergrounding of lines had been directed had great potential for wind and solar energy, which if allowed to remain untapped, would require more coal for power generation. The Bench said the decision to send overhead lines underground fell in the realm of environmental policy, and tasked the expert committee with finding a balance between conservation of the GIB and plans for renewable energy development. Specifically, it asked the panel to determine the 'scope, feasibility, and extent' of overhead and underground power lines in GIB priority areas, and to suggest GIB conservation measures. It also asked the committee to engage with stakeholders including environmental bodies, wildlife biologists, local communities, and the energy industry. Committee's suggestions In its 2024 order, the SC had recorded the reasons for the Centre's reservations on the large-scale burying of power lines: taking higher voltage lines, especially 60 kV and more, underground would constrain their maintenance, and could lead to transmission losses, reduce efficiency, and pose safety hazards. The committee is learnt to have proposed 'power corridors' in Rajasthan and Gujarat through which most lines to evacuate power from existing and planned renewable energy projects would pass, reducing the criss-crossing of lines. It has also proposed that some stretches of existing lines, based on their voltage and proximity to prime GIB habitats or the threats they pose to the birds, should be rerouted via this designated corridor. These stretches are proposed to be identified by a joint committee of the forest department of the state concerned, the Central Electricity Authority, and WII, based on ecological and technical feasibility. It is learnt that in Rajasthan, the corridor has been proposed to the south of the Desert National Park to provide east-west connectivity across the 'priority area', which is earmarked for focused conservation of the GIB. The width of the power corridor has been kept at 5 km. Power projects are planned to the west of the bustard priority area. In Gujarat, two powerline corridors have been proposed – one will aid evacuation of power from wind farms in the Kutch coastal belt; the other is meant for a critical high-voltage 400 kV power line planned in the northern part of the Kutch GIB habitat. Other mitigation measures Other measures such as insulating high voltage lines and burying specific sections underground have been proposed. The committee selected some lines based on the SC's 2021 order and has ordered to bury them underground on an urgent basis. In Rajasthan, 80 km of lines near bustard enclosures and sites of past bustard deaths have been identified for immediate undergrounding. Certain sections in Gujarat too have been identified for undergrounding, insulation, or rerouting. The SC had recorded three types of GIB habitat areas – priority areas, potential areas and additional important areas – based on reports of Wildlife Institute of India and state forest departments. The committee has proposed a revised priority area of 14,013 sq km in Rajasthan – retaining the original 13,163-sq-km priority area and adding 850 sq km from the 5,977 sq km of 'additional important areas'. The remaining area has been excluded, given fewer GIB sightings and its importance for future transmission of power. In Gujarat, the committee has proposed a revised priority area of 740 sq km – up from the existing 500 sq km of priority area. It has proposed that northern parts of priority areas should be excluded due to the fragmentation of the GIB habitat. An award-winning journalist with 14 years of experience, Nikhil Ghanekar is an Assistant Editor with the National Bureau [Government] of The Indian Express in New Delhi. He primarily covers environmental policy matters which involve tracking key decisions and inner workings of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He also covers the functioning of the National Green Tribunal and writes on the impact of environmental policies on wildlife conservation, forestry issues and climate change. Nikhil joined The Indian Express in 2024. Originally from Mumbai, he has worked in publications such as Tehelka, Hindustan Times, DNA Newspaper, News18 and Indiaspend. In the past 14 years, he has written on a range of subjects such as sports, current affairs, civic issues, city centric environment news, central government policies and politics. ... Read More
Indian Express
2 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Great Indian Bustard in focus: Why is this flagship species relevant for UPSC Exam?
Take a look at the essential events, concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your UPSC Current Affairs knowledge nugget for today on the Great Indian Bustard. (Relevance: UPSC has previously asked questions on various species. Therefore, it is essential to keep a tab on species in the news, as their chances of being asked in the examination increase. The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is one such species that holds great significance. Hence, knowing its characteristics and conservation status becomes important.) Giving relief to renewable energy companies from blanket restrictions on existing overhead power lines in habitats of the Great Indian Bustard, a Supreme Court appointed expert committee has proposed designated 'power corridors' for transmission lines in Gujarat and Rajasthan, The Indian Express has learnt. In this context, let's learn about the GIB and the expert committee's recommendations. 4. GIBs' historic range included much of the Indian sub-continent but it has now shrunken to just 10 per cent of it. Due to the species' smaller population size, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has categorised GIBs as critically endangered, thus on the brink of extinction from the wild. ♦ IUCN Red List status of Great Indian Bustard: Critically Endangered ♦ Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I ♦ Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS): Appendix I ♦ Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix 1 The Great Indian Bustard is the state bird of Rajasthan. Notably, Rajasthan has the largest remaining population of the GIBs. 1. The first steps to address the decline of the bustard population were taken between 2012-2013, when the Rajasthan government as well as the Environment Ministry began a long-term Bustard and Lesser Florican recovery project. The recovery project firmed up more in the year 2016 when it received a funding outlay of Rs 33.85 crore for seven years. This money was sanctioned to improve the bird's habitat and start a conservation breeding program. 2. The Compensatory Afforestation Fund, which consists of money collected for afforestation in lieu of diversion of forests for non-forest uses, funded this project. Later, in July 2018, a tripartite agreement was signed between the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Rajasthan Forest Department and Wildlife Institute of India (WII). 3. This involved opening long-term conservation breeding centres (CBC) in Ramdevra and Sorsan, implementing field research projects such as telemetry-based bird tracking and population surveys, habitat management as well as outreach to local communities. 4. While the total length of the next phase of the GIB and Lesser Florican conservation is 2024-2033, the immediate next phase will run till 2029. The target of the project would be to complete the upgradation of the CBC at Ramdevra and development of the Lesser Florican CBC at Sorsan, both in Rajasthan. The Ramdevra facility would also include a new lab for artificial insemination, which the WII plans to use from 2026 onwards. 1. In March 2024, a Supreme Court bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud had recalled a 2021 Supreme Court order that required all power lines in GIB habitats to be buried underground, following concerns about the technical and economic feasibility of such a move. It then tasked the expert committee with prescribing measures to mitigate GIB deaths from power lines while balancing conservation goals with mushrooming renewable energy development in these two states. 2. The committee has revised the boundaries of GIB conservation zones. In Rajasthan and Gujarat, it has proposed a 'revised priority area' of 14,013 sq km (up from 13,163 sq km) and 740 sq km (up from 500 sq km), respectively. These priority areas are meant for focused conservation and protection of the GIB. 3. The corridors proposed by the seven-member committee will be 5 km wide in Rajasthan and between 1 and 2 km wide across two separate zones in Gujarat. One member of the committee, however, is learnt to have submitted a dissent note, raising objections to exempting several power lines from mitigation. 4. The committee has proposed a set of mitigation measures and restrictions based on zonal priorities: * Existing power lines in Bustard habitats to be dealt with based on voltage. * Immediate burying of certain lines identified by the Supreme Court in key GIB habitats. * Lines of 220 kV and above be assessed individually for possible mitigation. * No restrictions on laying new power lines outside the priority areas. 5. Among key conservation measures suggested is using the 'jump start' method to revive Gujarat's GIB population. This will involve using eggs in advanced stages from conservation breeding facilities in Rajasthan, which will be incubated by wild GIB females. Tagging of the remaining Gujarat GIBs has also been recommended. 1. After knowing the significance of conservation of GIB, it's important to note that today (July 28) marks World Nature Conservation Day. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of preserving and conserving natural resources and the environment. The day serves as a reminder of the need to protect and sustainably manage the Earth's ecosystems and biodiversity for the well-being of current and future generations. 2. This year, the theme for World Nature Conservation Day 2025 is 'Connecting People and Plants: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.' With reference to the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), consider the following statements: 1. It is a large bird found only in India. 2. It is known to be a key indicator species of the grassland habitat. 3. It is classified as vulnerable. 4. The population of GIB has steadily increased in the past four decades. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (Sources: Exclusive: SC-named panel proposes 'power corridors' through Great Indian Bustard habitats, Critically endangered Great Indian Bustards' recovery program, and what lies ahead, The Great Indian Bustards of Kutch) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Roshni Yadav is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She is an alumna of the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. She has over five years of work experience in ed-tech and media. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. Her interests lie in national and international affairs, governance, economy, and social issues. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Supreme Court-named panel proposes ‘power corridors' through Great Indian Bustard habitats
Giving relief to renewable energy companies from blanket restrictions on existing overhead power lines in habitats of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), a Supreme Court appointed expert committee has proposed designated 'power corridors' for transmission lines in Gujarat and Rajasthan, The Indian Express has learnt. The committee has also revised the boundaries of GIB conservation zones. In Rajasthan and Gujarat, it has proposed a 'revised priority area' of 14,013 sq km (up from 13,163 sq km) and 740 sq km (up from 500 sq km), respectively. These priority areas are meant for focused conservation and protection of the GIB. The corridors proposed by the seven-member committee will be 5 km wide in Rajasthan and between 1 and 2 km wide across two separate zones in Gujarat. One member of the committee, however, is learnt to have submitted a dissent note, raising objections to exempting several power lines from mitigation. The estimated population of the large bird — once considered a candidate for national bird — is below 150. Owing to its poor vision, the GIB is at high risk of injury and death due to collisions with power lines. In addition to these collisions, GIB populations have plummeted over the years due to hunting, poaching for eggs, predation and habitat loss. In March 2024, a Supreme Court bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud had recalled a 2021 Supreme Court order that required all power lines in GIB habitats to be buried underground, following concerns about the technical and economic feasibility of such a move. It then tasked the expert committee with prescribing measures to mitigate GIB deaths from power lines while balancing conservation goals with mushrooming renewable energy development in these two states. The committee has proposed a set of mitigation measures and restrictions based on zonal priorities: * Existing power lines in Bustard habitats to be dealt with based on voltage. * Immediate burying of certain lines identified by the Supreme Court in key GIB habitats. * Lines of 220 kV and above be assessed individually for possible mitigation. * In some cases, rerouting lines outside proposed power corridors to reduce risk of GIB collisions. For instance, in Gujarat, 79 km of lines have been identified for burial or rerouting outside the revised priority area. * No new overhead power lines, wind turbines, solar plants over 2 MW, or expansion of existing plants in priority areas of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Only power lines of 11 kV (kilovolt) and lower capacities will be permitted — and strictly through designated power corridors. * No restrictions on laying new power lines outside the priority areas. Sources said the idea behind creating power corridors is to ensure that birds, especially in high-risk habitats like Jaisalmer and Kutch, aren't forced to repeatedly navigate through a maze of criss-crossing power lines. These areas are densely dotted with transmission and distribution lines, which pose fatal risks to all birds, including the critically endangered GIB. Another important mandate of the committee was to review the boundaries of the Bustard's habitat. In March 2024, the Supreme Court had accepted a classification of GIB habitat into three categories: priority areas (13,163 sq km), where the birds are known to live and breed regularly; additional important areas (5,977 sq km), which also matter but are less frequently used; and, potential areas (78,580 sq km), or large open landscapes where the birds might thrive. These zones were mapped using long-term field surveys and satellite tracking data collected by the Wildlife Institute of India and the Rajasthan Forest Department since 2014. After reviewing the data, the committee decided to retain 13,163 sq km of priority area in Rajasthan. From the 5,977 sq km marked as additional, it has recommended including just 850 sq km. An area of 14,013 sq km is thus proposed as 'revised priority area' for Bustards in Rajasthan. The remaining additional important area was excluded due to fewer GIB sightings and its importance for expected power transmission needs. The focus in Rajasthan will be on Desert National Park, Salkha-Kuchri area, Sanu-Mokla-Parewar, Pokhran Field Firing Range (PFFR), buffer areas of Ramdevra and the eastern periphery of PFFR, Dholiya, Khetolai, and Chacha. In Gujarat, the committee retained the priority area of 500 sq km and has proposed a consolidated revised priority area of 740 sq km. Wildlife biologist Sumit Dookia, faculty at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, and Honorary Scientific Advisor to the ERDS Foundation, which works on community-led GIB conservation, said the area excluded in Rajasthan has Bustard presence. 'GIBs use the additional important areas in the non-breeding season in the old enclosed area in Rasla. Two known GIB deaths have been documented from here. Just adjoining to this enclosure is a very big Shree Degray Mata Oran (Deemed Forest) and every year 5-10 GIBs visit these areas, staying for days in some remote undisturbed parts of this Oran. Until a few years back, this area was used by GIBs as a corridor from Ramdevra-Pokhran side to Desert National Park,' he said. Submitting a dissent note, one member of the committee, Devesh Gadhavi, Deputy Director, The Corbett Foundation, is learnt to have submitted that all existing overhead power lines of 33 kV and above within the revised priority area should either be buried underground or rerouted through power corridors or outside priority areas altogether. The committee has recommended immediate undergrounding of 80 km of 33 kV lines in Rajasthan and 79 km in Gujarat's Kutch region, along with mitigation for other lines through rerouting or insulation. Another point of disagreement was the risk posed by an upcoming 400 kV line in Bhachunda and two 220 kV lines associated with the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO), without suggesting measures to mitigate their threat to GIBs. An expert from the renewable energy industry said, 'Rerouting is clearly less costly than undergrounding, but it might be equally time-consuming.' Among key conservation measures suggested is using the 'jump start' method to revive Gujarat's GIB population. This will involve using eggs in advanced stages from conservation breeding facilities in Rajasthan, which will be incubated by wild GIB females. Tagging of the remaining Gujarat GIBs has also been recommended. An award-winning journalist with 14 years of experience, Nikhil Ghanekar is an Assistant Editor with the National Bureau [Government] of The Indian Express in New Delhi. He primarily covers environmental policy matters which involve tracking key decisions and inner workings of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He also covers the functioning of the National Green Tribunal and writes on the impact of environmental policies on wildlife conservation, forestry issues and climate change. Nikhil joined The Indian Express in 2024. Originally from Mumbai, he has worked in publications such as Tehelka, Hindustan Times, DNA Newspaper, News18 and Indiaspend. In the past 14 years, he has written on a range of subjects such as sports, current affairs, civic issues, city centric environment news, central government policies and politics. ... Read More
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Need seen for effective utilisation of funds earmarked for forest development
Member of Legislative Assembly H.R. Gaviappa on Thursday emphasised the need for effective utilisation of funds earmarked for forest development urging the Forest Department to take greater responsibility in conservation and afforestation efforts across Kalyana Karnataka. Speaking after launching the Vanamahotsava and Environmental Awareness Programme by planting a sapling at the Rajiv Nagar Park in the city, Mr. Gaviappa noted that the region between Hosapete and Chitradurga has some of the most expansive forest cover in Kalyana Karnataka. 'The department should scientifically explore using Tungabhadra river waters for forest zones. If pipeline systems are set up to divert river waters to lakes, it will improve groundwater levels and help trees remain green even during summer,' he said. He pointed out that such a move will also benefit farmers. 'Public visits to local wildlife spots like Daroji Bear Sanctuary and Atalji Zoological Park in Kamalapura should be encouraged. These areas are rich in biodiversity, including rare bird species such as the Great Indian Bustard. We need to preserve and promote such natural wealth,' he added. Campaign slogan Addressing a gathering, Assistant Conservator of Forests H. Anupama said that this year's campaign slogan encourages everyone to plant a sapling in the name of their mother, symbolising nurturing and care. 'Forests attract rainfall and play a key role in reducing pollution. We must instill awareness among children not just about education but also about environmental conservation,' she said. She called for priority to be given to greening efforts by planting more trees and protecting biodiversity. 'Every living being has a right to live on this planet. To report forest-related issues or animal poaching, citizens can call the forest helpline 1926,' she added. Planting drives Speaking on the occasion, Hosapete City Municipal Council Vice-President Ramesh Gupta said that Vanamahotsava should not be limited to a single day. 'We plan to extend tree planting drives to all 35 wards in the city and organise environment awareness activities across the municipality,' he said. Blossoms Kindergarten and High School headmaster Vivek, Rajiv Nagar Welfare Association president Katagi Gopal, Assistant Conservator of Forests Kirubanandan, other Forest Department staff, teachers, students and residents were present.
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Great Indian Bustards (GIB) revival hits roadblock again as Rajasthan refuses to share eggs, male bird with Gujarat
Gujarat's efforts to revive its Great Indian Bustard population have been thwarted again as Rajasthan refuses to share fertile eggs or male birds. This setback jeopardizes the survival of the species in Gujarat, where only three infertile females remain. AHMEDABAD: In a critical blow to the state's conservation efforts, Rajasthan has once again refused to share fertile eggs or male Great Indian Bustards (GIB), pushing one of India's most majestic birds closer to local extinction in Gujarat. Despite securing approval from the ministry of environment, forest and climate change for an innovative egg-replacement strategy - where dummy eggs were to be swapped with fertile ones from Rajasthan's breeding centre - Gujarat's project has failed to take off. The refusal, the third since 2015, has dented Gujarat's hopes, as only three female bustards remain in Kutch's Abdasa region. Although females can nest without mating, their eggs have been infertile in the complete absence of a male. The last time a male GIB was spotted in the region was in Dec 2018. Saying that strategy could have revived one of India's most critically endangered species in Gujarat's wild, senior officials said that the proposal was sent to Rajasthan for approval after the Union ministry's nod. The Gujarat forest department was hoping to implement the proposal this breeding season, which concludes in Oct. "Since it was a ministry proposal, the Rajasthan govt, instead of saying a direct no, said the experiment should be carried out in the wild on its own soil first. If successful, eggs would be shared with other states." Sources said this was the second time the Rajasthan refused to give GIB eggs. Conservation efforts in Gujarat have had their set of challenges. An official said that since 2019, the female GIBs in Abdasa have been laying and incubating infertile eggs and abandoning them some 20 days later. In 2024, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) had offered a glimmer of hope by proposing the idea of bringing fertile eggs from Sam in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer, and having them hatched by female GIBs sighted in Abdasa. Its suggestion also made the state responsible for monitoring the eggs and ensuring these are protected from predators. This idea was discussed at the 82nd meeting of the National Board of Wildlife held at Sasan in March this year. Minutes of the meeting state, "Dr H S Singh (board chairman) mentioned that there are three female Great Indian Bustards in Gujarat. They lay infertile eggs every year. If some fertile eggs from Rajasthan can be replaced, the GIB population in Gujarat can be recovered." An official added, "Chicks were to hatch and grow in their natural habitat, as those born at the breeding centre are released in the wild only after their third generation is born." WII officials say that a male could have contributed to the local population, as the last known male in the region is believed to have either migrated to Pakistan or have died.
