19 April 2021


The Supreme Court on Monday directed Gujarat and Rajasthan governments and others to consider converting the overhead cables into underground powerlines to save the Great Indian Bustard.

One of the heaviest flying birds was on the verge of extinction due to death caused primarily by collision with overhead powerlines.

A bench of Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian directed that in all cases where the overhead powerlines existed in the potential area of the bird, steps should be taken forthwith to install diverters.

"Keeping in view the sustainable development concept and on striking a balance, the protection of the rare species of birds is essentially to be made. The effort is being to save every bird while at the same time allowing transmission of power in an appropriate manner," the bench said.

Acting on a PIL by noted wildlife expert M K Ranjitsinh and others, the court said in addition to the death of the birds due to collision and electrocution, the conservation strategy also required protecting the eggs of the species of birds.

"For conservation, the habitat restoration and for making it predator proof, appropriate fencing is to be provided to the breeding grounds," the bench said.

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