What is the Supreme Court's new ruling for the Great Indian Bustard?

The Supreme Court has ordered new conservation measures to protect the Great Indian Bustard, focusing on rerouting and undergrounding power lines in its critical habitats.

Why are Rajasthan and Gujarat important for the Great Indian Bustard?

Rajasthan and Gujarat are the most crucial natural habitats for the Great Indian Bustard, making conservation efforts there vital for the species' survival.

How will the Supreme Court's decision impact renewable energy projects?

The ruling will affect renewable energy projects by requiring adjustments to power line routes and potentially restricting new installations in designated priority areas to prevent bird mortality.

Home / Environment / Supreme Court Saves Great Indian Bustard From Extinction

Supreme Court Saves Great Indian Bustard From Extinction

28 Dec

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Summary

Supreme Court orders new measures for Great Indian Bustard conservation.
Rajasthan and Gujarat are crucial habitats for the endangered bird.
Conservation efforts balance power needs with bird safety.

Supreme Court Saves Great Indian Bustard From Extinction

The Supreme Court recently issued a significant ruling on December 19th, establishing crucial conservation measures for the Great Indian Bustard. These directives, which will be implemented across Rajasthan and Gujarat, the bird's primary habitats, aim to prevent fatal collisions with power lines stemming from renewable energy projects. This ruling follows a 2019 petition highlighting the bird's declining numbers.

The court's decision is based on an expert committee's recommendations, which include revising "priority areas" for conservation and establishing "powerline corridors" to reroute overhead lines. New overhead power lines, except for low-capacity ones, and new wind turbines are prohibited in these revised priority areas. The court also mandates the undergrounding of certain power lines by 2028.