The Supreme Court has issued targeted directions to safeguard the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, whose population has sharply declined due to habitat loss and collisions with power transmission lines in Rajasthan and Gujarat. The Court expanded priority conservation areas, created dedicated power-line corridors, ordered undergrounding and rerouting of high-risk lines, and restricted new wind and large solar projects in key habitats. It also directed state-specific conservation actions such as grassland restoration, predator management, captive breeding support, the “jump-start” technique in Gujarat, and greater community participation. These combined legal, ecological, and management measures aim to prevent the species’ extinction and ensure its long-term recovery.
Click to View MoreAccording to the 2025 UNEP report, around 391 million hectares of tropical forests—home to 53 million people—are at high risk of loss due to agriculture expansion, fires, mining, and climate change. These forests play a vital role in carbon storage, water regulation, and biodiversity. Despite global conservation efforts like REDD+ and the Bonn Challenge, deforestation continues at nearly 10 million hectares annually, threatening both ecosystems and livelihoods. Strengthening forest governance, promoting sustainable land use, and empowering local communities are essential to balance development with conservation.
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