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For a land of such diverse flora and fauna, we don’t seem to take care of this diversity very well, with species dropping into the endangered list one after another. The beautiful russet feathered bird, The Great Indian Bustard has been on the watch list for a while now. Almost 90% of its population has been wiped out because of various reasons like mining and industrialisation. Today, only about 150 birds from this species remain. Three parties, Sanctuary Nature Foundation, The Corbett Foundation and Conservation India have now narrowed down on one particularly threatening problem— overhead power transmission lines.
The official state bird of Rajasthan, it is among the heaviest of flying birds, and hence flies quite low with a limited field of vision as well. This makes the bird prone to collisions with power lines that are present in the main habitat areas of the Bustards. The campaign is urging the Ministry of Power, and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to shift these lines underground, safely tucked away so that they cease to cause further harm to these birds. Such a measure has worked in reducing mortality rates of another Bustard species, the Great Bustard, in the west Pannonian region of Central Europe.
The campaign has been supported by notable public figures and celebrities such as Anil Kumble and Dia Mirza, as well as by environmentalists such as Padma Shree awardee Norma Alvarez and wildlife photographer Nayan Khalnolkar. “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 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.
A specie now found only in the country, we are racing against the clock to save its rapidly dwindling numbers. The campaign needs as much support as it can get, to bring this detrimental problem to the attention of the Power Minister R.K Singh. Sign the petition to save the Great Indian Bustard here.
Feature image courtesy of Devesh Gadhavi.
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