26-04-2025
HC seeks response from 3 collectors on fund release for Sarus conservation plan
Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of
Bombay High Court
on Tuesday sought responses from the collectors of
Gondia
, Bhandara, and Chandrapur districts regarding the release of funds needed for aerial bunch cabling under the
Sarus Conservation Plan
. A division bench comprising Justices Nitin Sambre and Vrushali Joshi directed the collectors to submit their replies by May 2.
The directives came during the hearing of a suo motu PIL (No.2/2021) concerning the protection of the endangered
Sarus crane
, where Radhika Bajaj was appointed as amicus curiae. The court recalled its earlier order dated November 28, 2022, which approved the Gondia district's conservation plan, estimating an expenditure of approximately Rs61 crore, including Rs42 crore specifically earmarked for modifying low voltage electricity transmission lines with aerial bunch cables to prevent bird electrocution. The MSEDCL demanded Rs42 crore for the purpose.
During the hearing, counsel for respondents informed the court that efforts to implement aerial bunch cabling were already underway but were hindered due to the non-release of funds by the revenue administration. The judges noted that while the aerial bunch cables would reduce electrocution risks, suggestions were earlier accepted allowing the respective Sarus Conservation Committees the discretion to opt for underground cabling where necessary, with provision for supplementary plans and additional budgetary support.
In light of the funding delays, the bench directed additional govt pleader Deepak Thakare to obtain specific responses from the collectors not only on the issue of
fund release
for aerial bunching but also on the steps taken to notify wetlands under their jurisdiction to the wetland authority, as mandated earlier. The matter has been adjourned to May 5 for further consideration.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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The natural habitat of the stork spans the districts of Gondia, Bhandara in Vidarbha, and Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh. However, their numbers are swiftly declining in Vidarbha, raising concerns about potential extinction. Taking cognisance of reports published in various newspapers, the court initiated a public interest litigation independently.
