In a significant move, the Supreme Court convened an expert committee on Thursday to evaluate the implications of overhead and underground powerlines on areas identified as ‘Priority’ for the conservation of the endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB). This decision comes amid the imperative to strike a balance between GIB protection and India’s commitment to green energy initiatives.
Led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, the bench acknowledged the necessity to reassess the blanket directives issued previously regarding the undergrounding of power lines. Recognizing the complexity of the matter, the Court entrusted the task to domain experts to determine the feasibility and extent of implementing overhead and underground electric lines in priority areas identified by the Wildlife Institute of India in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The committee’s mandate includes evaluating conservation measures for GIB and other fauna, identifying sustainable alternatives for future power line installations, and proposing measures to ensure the GIB’s survival while meeting renewable energy targets. The Court also relaxed earlier injunctions, subject to reasonable parameters set by the expert committee, and empowered it to recommend the installation of bird diverters and suggest additional conservation areas.
Senior Advocate Shyam Divan advocated for the appointment of retired Supreme Court Judges with environmental dispute expertise, such as Justice Deepak Gupta or Justice Nageswar Rao, to chair the expert committee.
The Union, represented by Attorney General R Venkataramani and ASG Aishwarya Bhati, emphasized the impracticality of implementing previous directives on underground power lines. Stressing the need for a balanced approach, the Union highlighted the importance of solar panel installations in reducing carbon footprint while safeguarding the GIB habitat.
In response to the Court’s inquiry, the bench sought updated status reports from the Union and the States of Rajasthan and Gujarat on measures taken to prevent GIB fatalities resulting from collisions with overhead transmission wires at solar panel projects.
As the expert committee begins its assessment, the Court’s proactive stance underscores the critical importance of preserving biodiversity while advancing sustainable energy solutions, setting a precedent for informed decision-making in environmental conservation efforts.
