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GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD

Context: The Supreme Court is overseeing the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) through a series of orders and directions aimed at minimising the risks to this critically endangered bird species, particularly overhead electricity lines.

Supreme Court's 2021 Judgement

• In 2019, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking protection for the GIB.
• The 2021 decision acknowledged the Ministry of Power's admission that GIBs are vulnerable to collisions with power lines due to their lack of frontal vision.
• The court ordered the installation of bird diverters on existing overhead power lines to alert birds and reduces collisions.
• For future projects, the court considered the possibility of undergrounding power lines in 'priority' GIB habitat areas, subject to technical evaluation.

Challenges Raised in 2024

• In January 2024, energy companies raised concerns about the practical and financial challenges of implementing underground power lines in identified GIB habitat areas.
• The Union government highlighted the need to balance GIB conservation with renewable energy efforts.
• Supreme Court's Response in 2024

• In March 2024, the court considered the proposal of creating a technical committee under the Ministry of Power to assess the feasibility of undergrounding power lines.
• The court suggested identifying a 'critical' area for undergrounding power lines to address conservation concerns while accommodating energy needs.
• Both parties were directed to provide names for a committee to further address the GIB conservation issue.

Formation of the Committee

• In March 2024, a seven-member committee was constituted by the Supreme Court.
• The committee's mandate includes suggesting conservation measures for the GIB, identifying areas for power line construction, and assessing areas vital for GIB conservation.
• The committee is tasked with submitting a report by July 31, and the court has lifted the blanket restriction against constructing underground power lines pending the committee's recommendations.

Great Indian Bustard (GIB)

• The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is one of the heaviest flying birds globally.
• It is the largest native bustard found in the Indian subcontinent.

Threats to the Great Indian Bustard

• Habitat Loss: Conversion of grasslands for agriculture, infrastructure development (roads, power lines), and industrialization are significant threats. Increased irrigation projects also fragment and degrade their habitat, making it difficult for them to find food and nesting sites.
• Collisions: High-tension power lines and fast-moving vehicles pose a major threat to these large birds, with wingspans reaching up to eight feet. Their inability to detect overhead wires or their tendency to be startled by oncoming traffic can lead to collisions and fatalities.
• Hunting and Poaching: Though illegal, hunting and poaching for meat and sport continue to be threats, particularly outside protected areas. The misconception that these birds are agricultural pests also contributes to this problem.

Conservation Efforts

• Habitat Restoration: Efforts are underway to restore degraded grasslands and create corridors between fragmented habitats to allow for movement and gene flow between populations. This can involve reseeding native grasses, controlling invasive species, and working with local communities to promote sustainable land management practices.
• Captive Breeding Programs: While challenging, captive breeding programs aim to reintroduce healthy populations into the wild. These programs require careful management to ensure genetic diversity and prepare birds for survival in the wild.
• Public Awareness: Raising public awareness about the importance of the GIB and its threats is crucial for garnering support for conservation initiatives. This can involve educational campaigns, community outreach programs, and ecotourism initiatives that promote the value of these magnificent birds.