Conflict between renewable energy development and the protection of the Great Indian Bustard in India

Source: The post conflict between renewable energy development and the protection of the Great Indian Bustard in India has been created, based on the article “WILL SOLAR DREAMS CLIP THE BUSTARD’S WINGS?” published in “Live mints” on 16th April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-biodiversity-conservation

News: The article discusses the conflict between renewable energy development and the protection of the Great Indian Bustard in India. It covers court decisions on whether to place power lines underground to prevent the birds from dying due to collisions. It mentions different viewpoints from environmentalists, the government, and energy companies.

For details information Great Indian Bustard read here

What is the issue with the Great Indian Bustard?

Endangered Species Protection: The Great Indian Bustard is critically endangered, listed by IUCN in 2013 and included in CMS COP13 as an endangered migratory species in 2020, emphasizing the need for strict protection.

Habitat Collision: The Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered bird, frequently collides with overhead power lines in its desert habitat, leading to fatal accidents.

Population Decline: From over 1,500 individuals in the 1970s, the population dwindled to less than 150 by 2018 due to these collisions.

Energy Development vs. Conservation: The bird’s habitat overlaps with areas ideal for wind and solar energy, creating a conflict between renewable energy development and species conservation.

How has the Indian Supreme Court responded to the issue of the Great Indian Bustard?

Initial Order: In April 2021, the Supreme Court mandated the undergrounding of power lines in an 80,688 sq. km area to prevent bustard collisions.

Industry Challenges: Faced with industry backlash over high costs and feasibility concerns, the court reconsidered the decision.

Revised Order: In March, the area required for underground wires was reduced to 13,663 sq. km, focusing on the ‘priority’ bustard habitat.

Balancing Act: The court aimed to balance conservation needs with India’s renewable energy goals, reducing the scope of mandatory underground wiring while still addressing the threat to the bustards.

What are the challenges of Undergrounding power lines?

High Costs: The cost of undergrounding is estimated to be over 150,000 crore, which could increase power tariffs in the states involved. For future projects, underground wires could push costs up by approximately 80%, making them unviable.

Technical Feasibility: Industry representatives mentioned that undergrounding is feasible in urban areas for shorter distances, but in vast desert areas, it presents significant technical challenges.

Slow Implementation: Three years post the initial Supreme Court order, minimal undergrounding has been achieved. A 10-km segment of a 66 KV line in Gujarat is one of the few that has been laid underground.

Financial Impact: The potential financial impact on consumers and the viability of renewable energy projects due to increased costs was a significant concern raised by the energy industry and noted in court discussions.

What is the future for the Great Indian Bustard?

The future of the Great Indian Bustard remains uncertain. With continued habitat encroachment and the challenges of implementing protective measures, the species faces a high risk of extinction.

The outcomes of ongoing legal and environmental management efforts will play a critical role in determining the survival of this endangered bird.

Question for practice:

Examine how the Indian Supreme Court’s decisions regarding undergrounding power lines balance the protection of the Great Indian Bustard with the country’s renewable energy goals.