Prelims Bits
Context
A Supreme Court-appointed panel has recommended special corridors for power transmission lines in the GIB habitats of Gujarat and Rajasthan to prevent bird collisions.
Habitat Classification
Based on field and satellite studies (since 2014), GIB habitats are divided into:
- Priority Areas: Frequent GIB presence.
- Additional Important Areas: Occasionally visited by GIBs.
- Potential Areas: Suitable for future habitation.
Conservation Proposals
- Expanded Priority Zones: To extend habitat safety.
- Underground Cabling: Immediate burial of power lines in critical areas.
- Restrictions: Overhead lines, large solar plants, and wind turbines are banned in priority zones.
- Tracking & Monitoring:
- Fit all remaining GIBs in Gujarat with GPS tags.
- Use “jump-starting” technique—translocating late-stage eggs to Gujarat for natural incubation.