In a landmark ruling emphasizing the urgency of wildlife preservation, the Supreme Court of India has declared the protection of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) as "non-negotiable." The apex court made this significant observation while hearing a petition filed in 2019 that sought its intervention to halt the alarming decline of this majestic bird species.
Supreme Court's Directive and New Protected Zones
The bench, comprising Justices P S Narasimha and A S Chandurkar, was examining the recommendations of an expert committee it had appointed in 2024. The committee's mandate was to find a delicate balance between developmental activities and environmental imperatives for the bird's survival. The court has now formally accepted the panel's suggestions, leading to a crucial decision on protected habitats.
The Supreme Court has designated a total of 14,753 square kilometers as revised priority areas essential for the GIB's conservation. This includes a vast 14,013 sq km zone in Rajasthan and a 740 sq km area in Gujarat. This move marks a significant evolution from a 2021 order that had imposed a blanket ban on overhead power lines across nearly 99,000 sq km, a decision later reviewed for being practically challenging.
Why the Great Indian Bustard Matters
The Great Indian Bustard is not just another bird; it is the flagship species of the Thar Desert and the state bird of Rajasthan. It is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world and is found exclusively in India. Historically, its range spanned much of the Indian subcontinent, but today it survives in just 10% of its original habitat.
Its population has seen a catastrophic decline over the last four decades, with current estimates placing the total number at a perilously low 150 individuals. This drastic fall is attributed to multiple factors: habitat loss due to expanding farmlands, predation of eggs, and, most recently, fatal collisions with overhead power lines, especially in its semi-arid grassland homes.
Conservation Status and Ongoing Efforts
The bird's precarious position is reflected in its conservation status. It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, accorded the highest protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and included in Appendix I of both the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and CITES.
Conservation initiatives have been underway for years. A significant recovery project began in 2016 with a funding outlay of Rs 33.85 crore for seven years, financed through the Compensatory Afforestation Fund. This project involves establishing Conservation Breeding Centres (CBC) in Ramdevra and Sorsan, Rajasthan, habitat management, and community outreach programs. The next phase aims to upgrade these facilities, with plans for artificial insemination techniques from 2026 onwards.
In a poignant part of its order, the Supreme Court paid homage to the Bishnoi community and the late Radheshyam Bishnoi, known as the "godawan man," highlighting their tradition of eco-veneration as a model of harmony with nature that modern development must emulate. The court underscored that humans are merely "guests in the Great Indian Bustard’s abode."
Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants
For candidates preparing for competitive examinations like the UPSC, the Great Indian Bustard represents a critical topic in Environment and Ecology. It serves as a key indicator species for grassland health. The Supreme Court's recent intervention, the specifics of the revised priority areas, the reasons for its decline, and its various conservation statuses are all vital facts. Understanding the conflict between renewable energy infrastructure (like power lines and solar projects) and species conservation in the revised priority areas is also crucial for a holistic grasp of the issue.
