PGCIL pauses laying of overhead transmission lines in Rajasthan

The laying of overhead transmission lines of Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) three power projects in Rajasthan has been put on hold after the Supreme Court's ruling. The Supreme Court's ruling stated that overhead transmission lines should be laid underground in the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) habitat in parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. These transmission lines were to carry solar power from Rajasthan's projects totaling 8,100 MW and were built at a value of around Rs 29,000 crore as per industry estimations, while over the next 25 years, PGCIL will spend over Rs 3,500 crore to build, and operate these lines. Currently, Rajasthan has a renewable energy capacity of around 10,500 MW. Additional projects worth multiple gigawatts are under construction in the area as well. In April, SC had ordered the laying of all transmission lines overhead power lines to be done underground in the GIB habitats in parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat to prevent collisions. Currently, less than 150 GIBs exist, and the main reason for their extinction is associated with crashing into power lines because of the tall and heavy bird's poor sight and a wingspan that crosses two meters. The migratory flight route of GIB goes through north Gujarat and western Rajasthan, both important regions for solar power projects, as they get over 300 days of direct sunlight every year. Three subsidiaries of PGCIL had appealed for transmission licenses for three projects that encroached the potential habitat of GIB, as set out in the SC's judgment. The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) refused them the license, stating they were in on grounds that it violated SC's verdict. PGCIL had argued in the hearings that laying down the high voltage transmission power lines that carry 785 kV was unfeasible, but it would use other devices such as bird diverters to reduce life loss. Image Source