Green Vs Green : The Great Indian Bustard Continued Struggle For Survival

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The two groves are connected by a 2 km long canal.

The Significance of Bhadariya Oran

Bhadariya Oran is a sacred grove that holds immense cultural and spiritual significance for the local community. It is considered a sacred place by the people of the region, and its importance is deeply rooted in their mythology and folklore.

Historical Significance

The grove has been a part of the region’s history for centuries. It is believed to have been established during the reign of the Mughal Empire, and its significance has been passed down through generations. The grove is said to have been a favorite haunt of the Mughal emperors, who would often visit the place to seek solace and spiritual guidance. The grove is also mentioned in the ancient Hindu text, the Mahabharata, where it is described as a sacred place where the gods would descend to earth. The local people believe that the grove is a manifestation of the divine, and that it holds the power to heal and protect the community.*

Cultural Significance

Bhadariya Oran is not just a sacred place, but also a cultural hub. The grove is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and its natural beauty is a source of inspiration for the local artists and musicians. The grove is a popular destination for nature lovers and tourists, who come to marvel at its beauty and tranquility.

The Rise of Renewable Energy in India

India has been witnessing a significant transformation in its energy landscape, with a growing emphasis on renewable energy sources. The country has set ambitious targets to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate the impact of climate change. One of the key areas where this shift is being observed is in the use of solar and wind power.

Solar Power in India

Solar power has been gaining traction in India, with the government setting a target of generating 100 GW of electricity from solar energy by 2022. To achieve this goal, the government has been promoting the use of solar power through various initiatives, including:

  • Solar rooftop installations: The government has been encouraging households and businesses to install solar panels on their rooftops to generate electricity. Solar parks: Large-scale solar parks have been set up in various parts of the country to generate electricity on a commercial scale. Solar water heating systems: Solar water heating systems have been promoted to reduce the energy consumption for water heating. ### Wind Power in India**

    • Wind Power in India

    Wind power has also been gaining popularity in India, with the government setting a target of generating 60 GW of electricity from wind energy by 2022. To achieve this goal, the government has been promoting the use of wind power through various initiatives, including:

  • Wind farms: Large-scale wind farms have been set up in various parts of the country to generate electricity on a commercial scale.

    The area has seen a significant increase in the number of windmills and solar panels, with the aim of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development.

    The Rise of Renewable Energy in Degraa Oran

    The Degraa Oran has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, with the introduction of renewable energy sources transforming the landscape of the area. The region’s unique geography, with its open plains and strong winds, has made it an ideal location for wind turbines and other forms of renewable energy.

    The committee was tasked with examining the feasibility of relocating the GIB to a more suitable location.

    The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) – A Critically Endangered Species

    The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is a critically endangered species that has been on the brink of extinction for decades. Its population has been dwindling at an alarming rate due to various human activities and natural factors. The GIB is a large, ground-dwelling bird with distinctive plumage and a unique courtship display.

    Habitat and Distribution

    The GIB is found in the grasslands and open woodlands of the Indian subcontinent. Its range extends from the Indus River in the west to the Ganges River in the east, and from the Himalayas in the north to the Deccan Plateau in the south. The species is widely distributed across the country, with a presence in various states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

    Threats to the GIB

    The GIB is threatened by several factors, including:

  • Habitat loss and fragmentation due to agricultural expansion, urbanization, and infrastructure development
  • Collisions with overhead power lines, which are a major cause of mortality
  • Human-wildlife conflict, resulting in the killing of birds by farmers and herders
  • Climate change, which affects the availability of food and water resources

    • The Role of the Supreme Court

    In 2024, environmentalist M.K. Ranjitsinh filed a public interest petition before the Supreme Court, highlighting the existential threat to the GIB due to its frequent collisions with overhead power lines.

    The GIB feeds on insects, small reptiles, and amphibians, making it a vital part of the ecosystem.

    Habitat and Characteristics

    The Great Indian Bustard’s habitat is characterized by arid and semi-arid grasslands with some scrubby vegetation. The bird’s height and wingspan make it well-suited for its environment. Its long neck allows it to reach insects and small animals that other birds cannot access. The GIB’s plumage is a mix of brown and grey, providing camouflage in its grassland habitat. Key characteristics of the Great Indian Bustard’s habitat: + Arid and semi-arid grasslands + Scrubby vegetation + Insect-attracting grasses

  • The GIB’s unique features make it well-suited for its environment, allowing it to thrive in areas with limited resources. ## Diet and Foraging

    • Diet and Foraging

    The Great Indian Bustard’s diet consists mainly of insects, small reptiles, and amphibians. The bird’s long neck and powerful legs enable it to forage for food in the grasslands. According to Dr. Muratkar, the GIB’s diet is influenced by the availability of food sources in its habitat. Key components of the Great Indian Bustard’s diet: + Insects + Small reptiles + Amphibians

  • The GIB’s diet plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of its ecosystem. ## Conservation Status

    • Conservation Status

    The Great Indian Bustard is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

    However, the WII report highlights that the power lines pose a significant threat to the species due to the high voltage and the fact that the birds often fly at low altitudes.

    The Great Indian Bustard: A Species on the Brink

    The Great Indian Bustard is one of the most endangered birds in the world, with a population of only 150 individuals remaining in the wild. The species is found primarily in the Indian subcontinent, with a range that spans across India, Pakistan, and Nepal. The bustard’s distinctive plumage, with its brown and grey feathers, makes it a striking sight in the open grasslands and savannas of its native habitat.

    Habitat and Distribution

    The Great Indian Bustard is found in the open grasslands and savannas of the Indian subcontinent, with a range that spans across India, Pakistan, and Nepal. The species is typically found in areas with low vegetation, such as grasslands, meadows, and agricultural fields.

    This led to a surge in the number of GIBs being killed by power lines.

    The Rise of the Golden Eagle

    Radhe Shyam Bishnoi’s journey into wildlife conservation began with a chance encounter with a Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) in Pokhran. This encounter sparked a deep passion for the species, which would eventually lead him to dedicate his life to its conservation.

    The Challenges of GIB Conservation

    Conservation efforts for the Golden Eagle are hindered by several challenges. These include:

  • Habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities such as mining, agriculture, and urbanization
  • Collisions with power lines and other human-made structures
  • Poaching and hunting for their feathers and body parts
  • Climate change, which affects the availability of prey and habitat quality

    • The Impact of Human Activities on GIB Populations

    Human activities have a significant impact on Golden Eagle populations.

    Singh, a wildlife biologist, has stated that there are no documented cases of bird deaths directly attributed to transmission lines. While some studies have suggested that birds may be affected by the electromagnetic fields generated by transmission lines, these findings are not conclusive and require further research.

    ## The Debate Over Bird Deaths and Transmission Lines

    The debate over the impact of transmission lines on bird deaths has been ongoing for several years, with some researchers arguing that the electromagnetic fields generated by these lines can cause avian mortality. However, the scientific community remains divided on the issue, with some studies suggesting that the evidence is not strong enough to support a causal link between transmission lines and bird deaths.

    ## The Lack of Concrete Evidence

    Despite the claims made by some researchers, there is a lack of concrete evidence to support the idea that transmission lines are a major cause of bird deaths.

    The Groundbreaking Judgement: A New Era for Climate Litigation in India

    The April 2024 judgement marked a significant milestone in the evolution of constitutional climate litigation in India and globally. This landmark ruling has far-reaching implications for the country’s legal landscape, particularly in the context of conservation efforts.

    The Right to a Healthy Environment

    The judgement has incorporated the right to be free from the adverse impacts of climate change as a matter of equality. This is a significant shift in the way India approaches environmental protection. The ruling recognizes that climate change is not just an environmental issue, but also a matter of social justice. Key aspects of the judgement include: + The recognition of climate change as a fundamental human right + The right to be free from the adverse impacts of climate change as a matter of equality + The incorporation of climate change into the Indian Constitution

    Impact on GIB Conservation Efforts

    The judgement has significant implications for the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB).

    However, the judgement allows for the use of endangered species in the development of green infrastructure, which could lead to their extinction.

    The Judgement: A Delicate Balance

    The Supreme Court of India’s recent judgement on the use of endangered species in green infrastructure development has sparked intense debate and raised important questions about the balance between biodiversity conservation and climate change commitments. The judgement, which was delivered in 2022, has been hailed as a major victory for India’s climate goals, but it has also been criticized for undermining biodiversity conservation efforts.

    The Conflict: Green Vs. Green

    The judgement highlights a classic ‘Green Vs. Green’ conflict, where two competing interests are pitted against each other. On one hand, the judgement allows for the use of endangered species in the development of green infrastructure, which could help reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. On the other hand, this approach undermines biodiversity conservation efforts, as it loosens protections for endangered species and could lead to their extinction. Key points to consider: + The judgement allows for the use of endangered species in green infrastructure development. + This approach could help reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.

    “We need to recognize that the climate crisis is not just about humans, but about the entire ecosystem. We need to take action to protect the rights of all beings, not just humans.”

    The Intersection of Climate Justice and Animal Rights

    Climate justice is often associated with human rights, but it also has a significant intersection with animal rights. The concept of climate justice recognizes that the climate crisis is not just a human issue, but also affects non-human entities such as animals and plants. This intersection is crucial in understanding the impact of climate change on ecosystems and the need for a more inclusive approach to addressing the crisis.

    The Role of Non-Human Stakeholders

    In the context of climate justice, non-human stakeholders such as animals and plants can represent the interests of the ecosystem as a whole. This can include:

  • Animals as individuals: Each species has its unique characteristics, needs, and vulnerabilities. For example, polar bears are affected by the melting of sea ice, while coral reefs are impacted by ocean acidification. Plants as individuals: Like animals, plants have their own unique characteristics and needs. For instance, forests provide habitat for countless species, while mangroves protect coastlines from erosion. Ecosystems as a whole: The collective interests of animals, plants, and microorganisms can be represented by ecosystems. This includes the interconnectedness of species, habitats, and processes that sustain life. ### The Need for Inclusive Action*

    • The Need for Inclusive Action

    Climate justice requires a more inclusive approach to addressing the climate crisis. This means recognizing the rights and interests of non-human stakeholders and taking action to protect them. Dutta emphasizes the importance of:

  • Worker rights: Workers in industries such as fishing and forestry are often affected by climate change. Their rights and interests must be considered in climate justice efforts.

    A shepherd strolls around in Bhadariya Mata Oran to graze his sheep

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