Bird Mortality Crisis in India’s Wind Energy Sector

GS3 – Environment

Context:

A recent study published in Nature Scientific Reports has identified wind farms in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert as having the highest bird mortality rates globally.

Key Findings:
  • Severe Mortality Rate:
    Approximately 4,464 bird deaths per 1,000 sq. km annually were reported, with an average of 1.24 bird deaths per turbine per month in the Thar region.
  • Major Contributing Factors:
    • Strategic Location: The Thar Desert lies along the Central Asian Flyway, a crucial migratory route.
    • Infrastructure Hazards: Poor turbine designs and collisions with overhead power lines contribute to fatalities.
    • High Raptor Density: Species like eagles and kites, which are abundant in the region, are particularly vulnerable.
  • Species-Specific Vulnerabilities:
    Large raptors face greater threats due to:

    • Limited flight manoeuvrability
    • Slow reproduction rates
    • Long life spans, making population recovery slow
Proposed Mitigation Measures:
  1. Enhanced Blade Visibility:
    • Painting one blade of the turbine black has proven effective in reducing bird collisions.
  2. Timed Operational Shutdowns:
    • Temporarily halting turbine activity during peak bird migration seasons can significantly reduce deaths.
  3. Eco-sensitive Site Selection:
    • Avoid installing wind farms in biodiversity hotspots and critical flyways to safeguard bird populations.
India’s Wind Energy Sector
  • Installed Capacity (as of mid-2025):
    India has reached an installed wind energy capacity of 51.3 GW (Source: MNRE).
  • Total Potential:
    As per the National Institute of Wind Energy, the country possesses a gross wind energy potential of 1163.9 GW at a hub height of 150 metres.
  • Offshore Wind Ambitions:
    Under the Offshore Wind Policy, India targets 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, reinforcing its commitment to green energy.
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