Govt sets quality norms on bird diverters for Gencos
Bird flight diverter (BFD) is one of the measures to avoid the chances of collision of and electrocution of Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and other birds with overhead power transmission lines
image for illustrative purpose
Lifeline For Birds
- BFD designs available with makers are different
- But It becomes difficult for Gencos to procure suitable diverters
- SC sets up a committee in this regard
- Committee stipulated specifications
New Delhi: The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has directed power generation companies to comply with the quality norms for bird diverters. The norms were issued by a committee appointed by the Supreme Court in consultation with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
The issue arose because of the reports of collision and electrocution of great Indian bustard (GIB) and other birds with the overhead power transmission lines. The GIB is a flagship species of India, the State Bird of Rajasthan, and is a critically endangered species which is near extinction. The bird flight diverter (BFD) is one of the measures to avoid the chances of collision of birds with transmission lines.
BFD designs available with different manufacturers in the market are not similar, and it becomes difficult for the utilities to procure suitable diverters for their requirements meeting environmental conditions. Moreover, the size, color, operating temperature, grip strength, and other construction features of BFDs and their installation and testing needed to be standardized. In order to formulate guidelines for this purpose, the Supreme Court set up a committee under Dr Rahul Rawat, an MNRE scientist, Dr Sutirtha Dutta, a Wildlife Institute of India scientist, and Dr Devesh Gadhavi, Deputy Director, The Corbett Foundation. The specification broadly covers general technical requirements, major design parameters, the requirement of certification, type tests, and test procedures.
The panel has stipulated that the BFD must be of dynamic type, consisting of a warning disc (2-D or 3-D in design) and associated clamps & connectors. The dynamic solar-powered LED type BFD shall be preferred in areas where foggy/dusty weather persists, or the intensity of light is low, or the sections of the lines lying in the route of migratory birds.
Since the GIB habitats in Rajasthan and Gujarat satisfy the above criteria, LED-type BFD should be installed there, especially in the 'Priority' and 'Potential' areas identified by the Supreme Court.
Gencos may also install a mixture of LED and non-LED BFD on their power-lines, but at least one in five BFDs on a line should be LED type. The BFD shall be suitable for efficient working and shall retain good physical characteristics under all weather conditions, the committee said.
BFDs shall be designed for an expected service life of at least 15 years. They should also be suitable for installation on the live line. The iron, steel or other metal parts used in the diverter must be corrosion proof and should withstand all weather conditions.
