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India's Rarest Bird Battles Power Lines
19 Mar
Summary
- Great Indian Bustard, the world's heaviest flying bird, is critically endangered.
- Overhead power lines pose a major threat due to bird collisions.
- Supreme Court mandates protection for bustard habitats in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The Great Indian Bustard, critically endangered and the world's heaviest flying bird, is at the center of a legal battle over renewable energy development in India. Primarily found in the desert regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat, the species faces significant mortality due to collisions with overhead power lines. In a significant ruling in December 2025, the Supreme Court of India declared the protection of the Great Indian Bustard as "non-negotiable."
The court has designated 14,013 sq km in Rajasthan and 740 sq km in Gujarat as priority conservation areas. Within these zones, the expansion of wind and solar power projects is prohibited. Immediate action is required, with 80 km of 33 kV lines in Rajasthan needing to be placed underground. Other power lines in priority areas must be rerouted or insulated within two years.
This legal precedent highlights the challenge of balancing infrastructure development with wildlife conservation in India's ecologically sensitive areas. The decision underscores the urgent need to protect the dwindling population of this unique bird and ensures that conservation efforts take precedence in critical habitats, impacting future energy development strategies.
