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Indian Express
29-07-2025
- 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
New Indian Express
28-07-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
New study documents 452 bird species across Telangana, including first India records
HYDERABAD: Osmania University Zoology department faculty Professor Chelmala Srinivasulu, along with Sriram Reddy of Hyderabad Birding Pals, meticulously documented 452 species of birds, including first records for India, across Telangana. This documentation has been published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa on July 26. The study offers critical insights into Telangana's bird diversity, including rare sightings and species recorded in India for the first time such as the Spur-winged Lapwing and highlights the presence of globally threatened species like the Critically Endangered Indian Vulture and Lesser Florican, underscoring the region's importance for bird conservation. 'Birds are excellent indicators of environmental health,' said Srinivasulu, a leading wildlife biologist at Osmania University. 'Our work not only corrects outdated records but also showcases Telangana's hidden biodiversity rich areas from wetlands to forests, from grasslands to urban lakes.'
Indian Express
28-07-2025
- 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
Hans India
28-07-2025
- Science
- Hans India
New study reveals rich bird diversity in State
Hyderabad: Ina significant contribution to Indian ornithology, a newly published research paper by Prof. Chelmala Srinivasulu from Osmania University and Sriram Reddy from Hyderabad Birding Pals has thoroughly documented 452 species of birds across Telangana. This research represents one of the most comprehensive avifaunal checklists ever compiled for the state. Published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa on Saturday, the study provides critical insights into Telangana's bird diversity, including rare sightings and first records for India, such as the Spur-winged Lapwing. It also emphasizes the presence of globally threatened species like the Critically Endangered Indian Vulture and the Lesser Florican, highlighting the region's significance for bird conservation. 'Birds are excellent indicators of environmental health,' said Prof. Srinivasulu, a leading wildlife biologist at Osmania University. 'Our work not only corrects outdated records but also showcases Telangana's hidden biodiversity-rich areas—from wetlands to forests and from grasslands to urban lakes.' Co-author and citizen scientist Sriram Reddy added, 'This checklist is not just for scientists. It is for every nature lover, student, and amateur birder. We invite people from all walks of life to embrace birdwatching—not just as a hobby, but as a meaningful connection to our natural heritage.' The paper is the culmination of decades of field observations, historic record reviews, and data contributed by the community. The authors acknowledge the vital role played by amateur birders, researchers, and platforms such as eBird and iNaturalist. 'We urge citizens to appreciate and protect the birds around them. Policymakers need to collaborate with researchers and experts to prioritize habitat identification and conservation. Our bird diversity and populations are declining due to various direct and indirect threats, making it imperative to nurture a new generation of bird lovers,' added Prof. Srinivasulu. 'It is a highly dedicated piece of work that reflects the passion and years of observation by two committed birders,' said Prof. Kumar Molugaram, Vice-Chancellor of Osmania University. 'The university community greatly appreciates the outcome of this research,' he added. Birdwatching isn't just about observing birds—it's about experiencing the world through a lens of curiosity and care.
Time of India
27-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Study unveils avian trove, documents 452 bird species across Telangana
1 2 3 4 5 6 Hyderabad: A newly published research paper by a professor from Osmania University (OU) has documented 452 species of birds across Telangana. It is said to be one of the most comprehensive avifaunal checklists ever compiled for the state. Published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa on July 26, the study by Chelmala Srinivasulu from OU and Sriram Reddy from Hyderabad Birding Pals offers insights into Telangana's bird diversity, including rare sightings and first records for India, such as the Spur-winged Lapwing. It also highlights the presence of globally threatened species like the critically endangered Indian Vulture and Lesser Florican, underscoring the region's importance for bird conservation. "Birds are excellent indicators of environmental health," said Srinivasulu, adding: "Our work not only corrects outdated records but also showcases Telangana's hidden biodiversity-rich areas from wetlands to forests, from grasslands to urban lakes." You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad Reddy, co-author, added, "This checklist is not just for scientists. It is for every nature lover, student, and amateur birder. We urge people from all walks of life to take up birdwatching, not just as a hobby, but as a meaningful connection to our natural heritage." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Official IQ Test: What is Your IQ? | Answer 30 Questions to Find Out IQ International Undo Researchers pointed out that the paper is the result of decades of field observations, historic record reviews, and community-contributed data. "Citizens must appreciate and protect the birds around them. Policymakers need to work in tandem with researchers and experts to prioritise habitat identification and conservation. Our bird diversity and populations are declining due to many direct and indirect threats. We must nurture a new generation of bird lovers," added Srinivasulu.
