Rajasthan HC Seeks Responses on High-Tension Power Lines’ Impact on Migratory Birds

The Rajasthan High Court has sought responses from the state government and the Power Grid Corporation of India in response to a petition challenging the installation of high-tension power lines within the habitat of migratory birds in Phalodi district.

A division bench of Chief Justice AG Masih and Justice Vineet Kumar Mathur directed the state government and the power company to provide their responses within a two-week timeframe. The court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on October 4, 2023.

The petition highlights that the Demoiselle Crane, commonly known as Kurjan, has been visiting the Khinchan area of Phalodi in large numbers every winter, covering thousands of kilometers in their journey.

The petition notes that, in a previous public interest litigation (PIL) case, the high court had obtained an assurance from the state government that high-tension transmission lines would not be laid in the birds’ migratory path to safeguard their habitat.

The counsel representing the petitioner argued that despite this assurance, the installation of power lines has continued in the area. The counsel further pointed out that the region was recently designated as a conservation site, and a fund of Rs 2 crore was allocated for its development.

The petitioner also submitted a report from the Bombay Natural History Society, stating that the construction of the high-tension power lines would pose a threat to the survival of these migratory birds.