In News:

=> The Centre has approached the Supreme Court seeking modification of its order directing that all transmission cables in the habitat of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) be laid underground.

=> Earlier in 2021, SC has directed that overhead power lines be laid underground wherever feasible.

Challenges/ Difficulties in Implementation:

=> It has implications for the Power sector, & makes renewable energy remain untapped.

=> Poor Financial Conditions of Discoms & affect over Jobs.

=> Area falling in Rajasthan and Gujarat contains a large proportion of the country’s total solar and wind energy potential.

=> Laying power lines underground will escalate the cost of renewable energy production and hurt India’s renewable energy targets. India has set a target to achieve installed renewable energy capacity (excluding large Hydro) of 175 GW by 2022 and 450 GW by 2030.

=> These areas were arid areas that required electricity for sourcing water. So reducing wires is difficult.

=> The High Voltage lines can not be made underground. And Diverters are very costly to install and maintain.

Great Indian Bustard (GIB):

=> About One of the heaviest flying birds endemic to the Indian subcontinent. State Bird of Rajasthan

=> Habitat: Untamed, Arid grasslands. A Maximum number of GIBs were found in Jaisalmer and the Indian Army-controlled field firing range near Pokhran, Rajasthan. Other areas: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

=> Protection Status: IUCN Status: Critically Endangered. Listed in Wildlife Protection Act’s Schedule 1.

=> Threats to the Bird: Hunting, Intensification of agriculture, Power lines.