In its first post-election meeting after a five-month hiatus, the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) approved several infrastructure projects, including controversial transmission lines in protected areas. The meeting considered 121 projects across 12 states, aiming to balance development with wildlife conservation.
Major Projects Approved
- Transmission Line in Little Rann of Kutch
- Location: Great Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary
- Purpose: To facilitate power evacuation from renewable energy zones.
- Area Impacted: Over 100 hectares.
- Transmission Line in Goa’s Mollem National Park
- Area Impacted: 27 hectares of forest.
- Condition: Work on the project should await approval of related proposals on the Karnataka side.
- Widening of National Highway 46
- Location: Between Itarsi and Betul, through a tiger corridor.
- Area Impacted: 101 hectares of forest.
- Condition: Animal passages must be constructed to facilitate wildlife movement.
Concerns Raised
- Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department
- Criticized for unauthorized constructions in Son Gharial sanctuary and adjacent tiger corridors.
- Action against responsible officials recommended.
- Deforestation Protests
- Intense local protests against deforestation in Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.
- Project involves felling of approximately 7,881 trees in ecologically sensitive areas.
Wildlife Protection Measures
- Mitigation Strategies
- Installation of bird diverters on transmission lines to reduce avifauna collisions.
- Monitoring of biodiversity impacts and ensuring habitat integrity.
- Recommendations for underground power lines to protect migratory bird habitats.
- Expert Recommendations
- Kedar Gore from The Corbett Foundation emphasized the need for underground transmission lines in ecologically rich areas to protect rare species.
Conclusion
The SC-NBWL’s decisions reflect a complex interplay between development and conservation, with significant implications for wildlife habitats and biodiversity in India. Future monitoring and adherence to conditions set by the board will be crucial for the successful implementation of these projects.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What was the main focus of the SC-NBWL meeting held at the end of July?
- A) Wildlife conservation
- B) Approving development projects
- C) Both A and B
- D) None of the above
Answer: C) Both A and B
- Which controversial transmission line project was approved in Goa?
- A) Transmission line in Little Rann of Kutch
- B) 400 kV transmission line in Mollem National Park
- C) National Highway 46 widening
- D) None of the above
Answer: B) 400 kV transmission line in Mollem National Park
- How many trees are expected to be felled for the transmission line in the Western Ghats?
- A) 1,000
- B) 5,000
- C) 7,881
- D) 10,000
Answer: C) 7,881
- What condition was imposed for the widening of National Highway 46?
- A) No construction allowed
- B) Building of animal passages
- C) Reducing the highway width
- D) Increasing forest cover
Answer: B) Building of animal passages
- What did Kedar Gore recommend for power lines in ecologically sensitive areas?
- A) Overhead power lines
- B) Underground power lines
- C) No power lines at all
- D) Increase power line height
Answer: B) Underground power lines