Power Lines, Industrial Expansion Endangering Great Indian Bustards in Nandyal

 Kurnool: Increased power transmission lines owing to rapid industrialisation and changing cropping patterns are posing a serious threat to the Great Indian Bustard in the Nandyal region, particularly their habitat in the Rollapadu area, Forest department officials have disclosed.

Great Indian Bustard is an endangered large bird native to the Indian subcontinent. Its presence is mainly in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan. The total population of this bird in the country is believed to be below 200 now, making it one of the most critically endangered species, even rarer than the Royal Bengal tiger.

Conservationists across the country have been working continuously to protect and increase its numbers. Though the successful birth of a chick through artificial insemination at the Sudasari Great Indian Bustard Breeding Centre in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, is considered a major achievement, forest officials in Andhra Pradesh feel that this method alone may not be a long-term solution. They believe that restoring the bird’s natural habitat, educating the public and bringing the issue to notice of the state government is more important.

In this regard, there is a proposal to relocate long-distance power lines spanning 1.16 lakh km passing through the habitats of the Great Indian Bustards.

In Andhra Pradesh, about 25 Great Indian Bustards had been recorded in 1998, mostly in the Rollapadu area. Subsequently, a conservation centre had been established in Rollapadu of Miduturu mandal over an extent of 1,000 hectares.

Officials said migratory bustards had laid eggs in the area till five to six years ago. But since then, no birds have migrated to Rollapadu. It is believed the existing birds have disappeared due to power cables, changes in cropping patterns and unfavourable living conditions.

The situation has worsened due to rapid expansion of industries in the region. Power transmission lines are being laid over long distances, posing a direct threat to the birds. Farmers, who earlier cultivated groundnut, which the bustards fed on, have now shifted to maize and other crops. With the proposed expansion of the Orvakal industrial area, the region is expected to witness more industrial activity, adding further pressure on the habitat of Great Indian Bustard.

“We have been closely observing the steady decline in the bird population. Our main focus now is to first rejuvenate and restore its natural habitat, improve their living conditions and revive their population,” said B. Vijaya Kumar, Field Director, Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve.