Supreme Court Directs Urgent Conservation Measures for Critically Endangered Great Indian Bustard

New directives aim to balance species conservation with renewable energy development in Rajasthan and Gujarat

In a landmark judgment delivered by the Supreme Court of India on December 19, 2025, the Court has issued comprehensive directions for the conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and the Lesser Florican (LF), amidst growing environmental and developmental challenges. The judgment, authored by Justices Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha and Atul S. Chandurkar, comes in response to a writ petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution by M.K. Ranjitsinh and others, seeking urgent measures to protect these avian species.

The Court has delineated revised priority areas for conservation, now encompassing 14,013 square kilometers in Rajasthan and 740 square kilometers in Gujarat. These areas are crucial habitats for the GIB and will see a range of in-situ and ex-situ conservation measures implemented. A key aspect of the judgment is the restriction on new renewable energy projects within these priority areas, prohibiting new overhead powerlines and wind turbines unless routed through designated power corridors. Critical existing powerlines are mandated to be undergrounded in a time-bound manner to mitigate the risk to these birds, known for their susceptibility to collisions with overhead lines.

The judgment also underscores the importance of grassland restoration and community engagement, recommending the designation of certain areas as conservation reserves and emphasizing the need to balance conservation efforts with local livelihoods. The Court has directed the formation of dedicated power corridors to minimize ecological impact while supporting India's renewable energy objectives.

The Supreme Court's decision follows extensive deliberations by an expert committee, which was tasked with reconciling the conservation of the GIB with sustainable development goals. The committee's recommendations have largely been accepted by the Court, reflecting a holistic approach to environmental sustainability.

Legal experts and environmentalists have hailed the judgment as a significant step forward in India's commitment to protecting its natural heritage while advancing its renewable energy aspirations. The directives are expected to set a precedent for balancing ecological conservation with developmental imperatives in the face of climate change.

Statutory provision(s): Article 32 of the Constitution of India, Electricity Act, 2003, Companies Act, 2013, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, Environment Protection Act, 1986

M.K. Ranjitsinh v. Union of India, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2824172