Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has scheduled October 14 for the hearing of five fundamental rights petitions filed against the wind power plant project undertaken by India's Adani Group in Mannar, a north-eastern region of the country. The petitions were brought forward by environmental NGOs, which argue that the project endangers biodiversity and poses a threat to migratory birds. The three-member bench of the apex court has ordered the respondents, including the government, the Board of Investment, and the Central Environmental Authority, to file their objections by September 13. The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society is among the groups that filed the case. They claim that the decision by the Cabinet to categorize the Adani wind power project as a government-to-government venture between Sri Lanka and India is illegal and would cause significant harm to the migratory bird population and the environment. The society also challenged the action by Minister of Environment Pavithra Wanniarachchi to exclude the Viddathalathivu area in Mannar district from being designated as a forest reserve, a move made to facilitate the project. Previously, on June 18, the Supreme Court had given Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, the Cabinet, and the Adani Group three weeks to file preliminary objections to the petitions. In May, the Sri Lankan government approved a 20-year power purchase agreement with Adani Green Energy to develop 484 MW wind power stations in the country. These renewable energy projects include a 250 MW project in Mannar and a 234 MW project in Pooneryn, with a total proposed investment of $ 750 million. The Sri Lankan government has stated that the Adani Group's investment is crucial for the country to achieve its goal of sourcing 70% of its power needs from renewable energy by 2030. (Source: ET)