Context:
The Supreme Court-appointed expert committee on Great Indian Bustard (GIB) protection has recommended designated “power corridors” for overhead transmission lines in Gujarat and Rajasthan, balancing renewable energy expansion with critical conservation needs.
The Great Indian Bustard (GIB)
The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is one of the heaviest flying birds native to the Indian subcontinent. Once commonly found across India’s grasslands, it is now critically endangered, with fewer than 150 individuals remaining as of 2018. The primary threats are habitat loss, hunting, and powerline collisions.
Conservation Status
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ardeotis nigriceps |
| IUCN Red List Status | Critically Endangered |
| Protection in India | Schedule I of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 |
| CITES Status | Appendix I |
| Global Population | Estimated <150 individuals (as of 2018) |
Habitat and Distribution
- Natural Habitat:
- Prefers arid and semi-arid grasslands, open scrub, and desert regions.
Threats to Survival
- Habitat Destruction: Conversion of grasslands into agricultural and industrial zones.
- Powerline Collisions: Frequent deaths due to collision with high-tension wires.
- Poaching and Hunting: Historically hunted for meat and sport.
- Neglect of Grassland Ecosystems: Grasslands often treated as “wastelands” in policy.
