SC directs actions to protect Great Indian Bustard from power lines
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New Delhi, Mar 16: The Supreme Court of India has given its suggestion about the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard after the number of birds falling dead due to collision with power lines is increasing over time. The power lines run through the dwindling natural habitats of the Indian Bustards in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
The Bench led by Chief Justice, Sharad A. Bobde, will examine whether the overhead power lines could be replaced with underground cable lines in order to save the heaviest flying birds. The court also found an alternative mechanism, that is, to install the flight bird diverters in order to guide the birds away from power lines, which would not be a cost-effective method.
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In fact, such diverters are of the nature of recurring costs and will cost more than installing and maintaining the underground lines. However, Attorney General K.K. Venugopal appeared for the Power Ministry and submitted that only low voltage lines can be replaced but not the high voltage cables.
The scientific name of the Indian Bustard is Ardeotis nigriceps and is found in the Indian subcontinent. It is a large bird having a horizontal body and long bare legs and appears like an ostrich. The Great Indian Bustard is one among the heaviest flying birds. The bird was once common along the dry plains of Indian subcontinent. However it reduced to 250 in 2011 and further reduced to 150 in 2018. The bird is listed as 'Critically Endangered Species' and is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 in India.