| Syllabus: GS-III Subject: Environment, Ecology and Disaster Management, Topic: Biodiversity and Conservation, Issue: Great Indian Bustard. |
Context: The extinction of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB).
Threats to GIB:
- Collisions with overhead power lines.
- Dogs, pesticides, habitat loss.
- Infrastructure development
Centre’s Arguments:
- Burying power lines is deemed unfeasible.
- Challenges include high costs and technical constraints.
- Implementation delays persist.
Way Forward:
- Balance needed for development and conservation.
- Prioritize burying power lines in key GIB areas.
- Demarcate suitable land for renewable energy.
| The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps):·       Features a horizontal body and long bare legs, resembling an ostrich.
·       Once abundant across Indian dry plains, now critically endangered. ·       Population declined to 150 individuals by 2018 from around 250 in 2011. ·       Prefers large dry grassland and scrub habitats. ·       Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. |
