Latest Topics in News
SC Forms Expert Panel for GIB
The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is a magnificent bird species native to India. However, it is now on the verge of extinction, with less than 150 individuals left in the wild. The GIB’s critical situation highlights the conflict between wildlife conservation and India’s plans to expand renewable energy.
The Supreme Court has formed an expert panel on 21st March 2024, to find a balance between protecting the GIB and achieving sustainable energy goals.
The Great Indian Bustard: An Endangered Species
- The GIB is a large, terrestrial bird known for its distinctive black cap and pale head and neck.
- It stands approximately one meter tall and is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world.
- The GIB was once widespread across the dry grasslands and scrublands of western and central India.
- However, its population has drastically declined due to habitat loss and collisions with power lines.
Threats to the Great Indian Bustard
The GIB faces several threats that have contributed to its endangered status:
Habitat Loss:
- Agricultural expansion, infrastructural development, and land-use changes have steadily eroded the GIB’s habitat.
- The loss of grasslands and scrublands has severely impacted the bird’s population.
Collisions with Power Lines:
- The GIB’s low flight path and poor frontal vision make it highly vulnerable to collisions with power lines.
- These collisions have emerged as a significant threat to the species’ survival.
The Expert Panel’s Plan to Address the Conflict
The Supreme Court has formed an expert panel to tackle the complex issue of balancing GIB conservation with India’s renewable energy goals. The panel consists of conservationists, renewable energy experts, and government representatives who will work together to find a solution.
The panel’s main objective is to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses both the protection of the GIB and the advancement of renewable energy in India.
Strategies Being Explored by the Expert Panel
The expert panel is considering various strategies to mitigate the conflict between GIB conservation and renewable energy development:
Advanced Technologies:
- The panel is exploring the use of radar-based bird detection systems to prevent collisions between GIBs and power lines.
- Innovative power line designs that reduce the risk of bird collisions are also being considered.
Policy Changes:
- The panel may recommend designating critical GIB habitats as no-go zones for power infrastructure development.
- This would ensure that the GIB’s most important habitats remain protected and undisturbed.
India’s Renewable Energy Push and Its Impact on the GIB
India has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming to achieve:
- 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030
- Net-zero emissions by 2070
While these goals are crucial for sustainable development and combating climate change, the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, particularly power lines, has inadvertently threatened the GIB’s habitat.
The installation of wind turbines and solar panels in GIB habitats, along with the associated power transmission lines, has led to:
- Increased bird collisions
- Further fragmentation of the species’ already diminished range
This conflict between renewable energy development and GIB conservation has highlighted the need for innovative solutions that can balance both objectives.
Proposed Measures to Protect the GIB
Efforts to protect the GIB have been ongoing, with initiatives such as Project Great Indian Bustard focusing on:
- Habitat improvement
- Community involvement
However, the escalating threat posed by power lines has necessitated more targeted interventions.
The Supreme Court has directed power companies to:
- Underground power cables in GIB habitats
- Install bird diverters on power lines
While these measures can help reduce bird collisions, they come with their own set of challenges, including:
- High costs
- Technical difficulties in implementation
