Archive · 7 Aug 2025
Supreme Court Considers Expanding Great Indian Bustard Habitats
Imagine some special birds called Great Indian Bustards that are in danger.
The government is working with the Supreme Court to help them.
The court is looking at a plan to protect where these birds live.
Experts have suggested adding more land in Rajasthan to keep the birds safe.
This is because power lines can hurt them.
The court wants to make sure the birds have a safe place to live and is looking at how to do that.
It is also considering if power lines should be put underground so the birds do not get hurt.
The goal is to save these special birds from disappearing.
The Supreme Court is considering adding 850 sq km of priority habitat for Great Indian Bustards in Rajasthan.
The Centre informed the court about the recommendation from an expert committee.
The committee's reports address underground laying of power transmission lines.
The original priority area in Rajasthan is 13,000 sq km, recommended to remain sacrosanct.
The court is reviewing a PIL regarding the endangered status of the Great Indian Bustard.
- Who
- The Supreme Court, the Centre, an expert committee, and petitioners concerned with Great Indian Bustard conservation.
- What
- The Supreme Court is considering adding more area for Great Indian Bustard habitat and addressing power line safety.
- When
- The matter was heard on Thursday, August 7, and the court posted the matter for September 16.
- Where
- Rajasthan and Gujarat, with focus on Rajasthan.
- Why
- To protect the endangered Great Indian Bustard from extinction by addressing habitat and power line hazards.
Conservationists' Perspective
N/A
Habitat Expansion
Conservationists' Perspective
Prioritize the expansion of protected areas to ensure the birds' safety and breeding success.
N/A
N/A
- Primary Focus Area (Rajasthan)
- 13,000 sq km (original)
- Additional Priority Area (Rajasthan)
- 850 sq km (recommended)
- Total Priority Area (2024 Verdict)
- 13,663 sq km
- Total Potential Area (2024 Verdict)
- 80,680 sq km
- Court's Initial Order
- April 2019
- Petitioner
- Retired IAS officer M K Ranjitsinh and others