The Supreme Court has constituted an expert committee to balance the conservation and protection of the endangered Great Indian Bustard bird population with the country’s international commitments to promote renewable sources of energy.
The large-winged birds are on the brink of extinction, and one of the causes is the frequent collision with high-powered power cables running adjacent to its core habitats in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
The remit of the panel would be to determine the scope, extent and feasibility of underground and overhead electric lines in areas identified as priority spots for the birds in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The committee would explore alternatives to balance sustainable development goals and conservation of the birds.
It could recommend additional measures to identify additional priority areas. The panel has to file its report in the top court on or before July 31.