In response to the urgent need to protect the endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) population from extinction caused by collisions with high-powered power cables in Gujarat and Rajasthan, the Supreme Court of India has taken decisive action. A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra has appointed an expert committee to address this critical issue while balancing conservation efforts with renewable energy goals.
Here are the key points regarding this appointment
Endangered Species Concerns
- The Great Indian Bustard population faces extinction due to collisions with high-powered power cables in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Directive Re-evaluation
- The apex court has re-evaluated its directive on undergrounding power cables to protect the bird species.
Committee Composition
- The committee comprises wildlife experts, conservationists, and government officials from relevant ministries.
Scope and Feasibility Study
- The committee is tasked with assessing the feasibility of underground and overhead electric lines in priority bird habitats.
Balancing Development and Conservation
- The committee will explore alternatives for sustainable development while ensuring bird conservation.
Recommendations and Timeline
- The committee is expected to propose additional measures and submit a report to the Supreme Court by July 31st.