Place power lines underground to save birds: Experts

Mumbai: Wildlife enthusiasts and experts have come together to shed light upon the deteriorating population of great Indian bustard (GIB) across India. In Maharashtra alone, there have been only eight GIB recorded by Wildlife Institute of India, with an impending threat of GIB getting extinct in India. Experts have stated that the overhead power lines have posed a threat to the species over the years. They have written to the ministry of power and new renewable energy to take action to place the riskiest power lines safely underground.

With a global population of fewer than 150 individuals, experts believe that this may be the first species to go extinct in independent India. Rajasthan is the last stronghold of the GIB, followed by Gujarat. This grassland species is now extinct from 95 per cent of its range.

Great Indian bustards are low flying birds with a limited field of vision and are prone to power line collisions. The Wildlife In-stitute of India’s endange-red species recovery pr-ogramme has also recommended this solution of placing the dangerous po-wer lines underground. The campaign also draws attention to preserving of grasslands, which are now designated as wastelands.

 “It will be an international shame and disappointment if India is unable to prevent the extinction of the great Indian bustard, despite all the scientific know-how and financial resources available. Unfortunately, this ‘Great Indian’ bird didn’t receive early support from our politicians, policy-makers, corporate sector and the general public. This is our last chance to prevent its extinction- by providing it with ample habitat, safe flying space and non-toxic food to make sure their population bounces back,” said Kedar Gore, Director of The Corbett Foundation which has launched the campaign in collaboration with Conse-rvation India and Sanctu-ary Nature Foundation.