Home / Environment / Supreme Court Shields Great Indian Bustard: New Rules
Supreme Court Shields Great Indian Bustard: New Rules
20 Dec
Summary
- Priority conservation areas for Great Indian Bustard expanded.
- New overhead power lines, wind turbines, and solar plants banned.
- Existing critical power lines must be undergrounded within two years.
The Supreme Court has expanded priority conservation areas for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard in Rajasthan and Gujarat, enhancing protection measures. The court has banned new overhead power lines, wind turbines, and solar projects exceeding 2MW capacity within these revised zones, which now cover 14,013 sq km in Rajasthan and 740 sq km in Gujarat.
Furthermore, existing critical power lines of 400kV and below within these areas must be undergrounded wherever feasible, with approximately 250km of high-risk lines ordered for immediate action. The court mandates the completion of all mitigation measures, including undergrounding and rerouting, within two years, emphasizing environmental responsibility as a corporate obligation.
These directives stem from recommendations by an expert committee formed in March 2024, addressing concerns raised by conservationists. The court also accepted the proposal for a designated power corridor and stressed that corporate social responsibility funds must contribute to conservation efforts, aligning with constitutional duties to protect the environment.
