SC comes to rescue of 2 endangered bird species; issues direction to Rajasthan government

In a significant development, Supreme Court on Tuesday stepped in to save two endangered bird species - Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican, by directing Rajasthan government to chalk out a time frame to remove overhe high-volt power lines and lay m underground.

bench heed by Chief Justice SA Bobde and comprising Justices BR Gavai and Surya Kant observed that two species were vulnerable to fatal collisions with overhe power lines. Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF)  insisted that power lines would have to be laid underground to save birds.

Following concern echoed by MoEF, court asked Rajasthan government's counsel to procure instructions from authorities concerned on shifting overhe lines below ground within two weeks. Providing solutions for same, chief justice vised avoiding collision of birds with overhe wires are se be laid underground. For or bird species, top court reckoned it faced difficulties due to power generation plants and queried state if it is facing any issues so that court could issue specific directions.

ditional Solicitor General ANS Nkarni, representing MoEF, contended that a team of ministry officials and or wildlife experts h visited Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Nkarni said after considering all aspects, only solution available is to take cables underground.

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Three experts included in panel 

counsel for petitioner MK Ranjitsinh, who is also a retired IAS officer, said that terms of reference for top court-appointed panel are rey. Through se references, panel could look at conservation efforts for two bird species, he said. court accepted suggestion and directed for inclusion of three experts in panel.

top court asked MoEF to look into terms of reference and file an affidavit on matter. court will furr hear matter after two weeks. In July 2019, court took on record possible extinction of two bird species and constituted a high-powered committee to develop response plan.

court h set up a 3-member panel comprising Director of Bombay Natural History Society; As R Rahmani, a former society Director; and Dhananjai Mohan, Chief Conservator of Forests of Uttarakhand.

Wildlife activists h claimed that two birds faced fatal collision with power infrastructure, and also depletion of ir habitat and ingestion of pesticides. top court h sought responses from Centre and state governments on this plea.

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(With Inputs from ncy)