New Delhi, Apr 19 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Monday set up a high-level committee to examine the feasibility of under-grounding of over-head power lines in Rajasthan and Gujarat in order to protect Great Indian Bustard which die after colliding with high votage power lines.
A three-judge bench of Chief Justice AS Bobde, Justice AS Bopanna and Justice V Ramasubramanian said,"In cases, where it is possible to lay powerlines under ground it must be done within one year."
The bench was hearing a batch of pleas including that of Ranjit Singh in which the petitioner contended that 'bird is on the brink of extinction.'
The Top Court also directed for installation of diverters to protect the birds from colliding with the high voltage power lines.
Recommendations of the committee shall be implemented by power-generators and other stake-holders, the bench added.
However, the Centre said that it is not feasible to lay high transmission lines underground.
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