Wind Energy vs Bird Mortality in India: A Green Dilemma

Syllabus: Environment | Conservation | Renewable Energy (UPSC GS III)
Source: The Hindu

Context

India added 3.5 GW of wind power in early 2025, registering 82% annual growth. However, a study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) raised concerns about rising bird deaths near wind turbines in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, especially in Jaisalmer — sparking debate over the environmental costs of renewable energy.

Status of Wind Energy in India

• As of 2025, India’s installed wind power capacity stands at 51.3 GW
• Estimated wind energy potential: 1,163.9 GW at 150 metres above ground
• Target: 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030
• Recent bids for 4 GW offshore projects launched in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu

India is among the world’s top wind energy producers, and wind remains a key pillar of its clean energy transition.

Key Findings from the WII Study (Thar Desert, Rajasthan)

• Study Area: 3,000 sq. km around Jaisalmer
• Turbines Monitored: 90
• Findings:
  • 124 bird carcasses found
  • Estimated 4,464 bird deaths per 1,000 sq. km annually
  • No bird deaths recorded in non-turbine zones
• Affected Species:
  • Critically endangered Great Indian Bustard
  • Numerous raptors
• Causes:
  • Blade collisions
  • Electrocution from power lines

Why Bird Deaths Are Concerning

1. Disruption of Migratory Routes

• The Thar Desert lies on a key avian migratory flyway, crucial for many bird species.

2. Threat to Raptors & Endangered Species

• Raptors reproduce slowly, making them vulnerable to population decline.
• The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) faces extinction risks.

3. Ecological Importance

• Jaisalmer and other wind zones are biodiversity-rich regions.
• Past studies underestimated avian risks due to limited turbine coverage.

4. Trophic Imbalance

• Bird deaths affect natural pest control, potentially harming agriculture.

Gaps in Existing Environmental Policy

• No EIAs for onshore wind farms
• Shallow EIAs for offshore wind projects
• Wildlife clearance often lacks biodiversity review
• Cumulative ecological impacts are not assessed
• Poor coordination between MNRE and MoEFCC

Mitigation Measures and Tools

• Blade Painting: Enhances blade visibility, reducing collisions
• Timed Shutdowns: Pause turbines during peak bird migration
• Smart Layouts: Avoid turbine placement along bird flyways
• AVISTEP Tool: Maps bird-sensitive zones for planning
• Ground Surveys: Validate remote sensing with on-field data

What Needs to Be Done

1. Mandate EIAs for all wind projects (onshore + offshore)
2. Implement zoning-based siting to avoid ecological hotspots
3. Deploy AI, radars, and sensors for real-time bird tracking
4. Involve local communities and ecologists in project design
5. Fund long-term biodiversity studies related to wind energy

Conclusion

While wind energy is vital to India’s net-zero goals, it must not come at the cost of wildlife and biodiversity. Ecologically fragile zones like the Thar Desert require sensitive planning.

India must adopt a sustainable wind policy that balances green growth with ecological preservation, ensuring that clean energy remains truly clean.