Sarus
is a bird loved and respected traditionally by people of
Gujarat. Sarus is one of the resident species of crane in
subcontinent. From the total Sarus population of 8000 in
India, 1600 are found in Gujarat.
Sarus
is a monogamous bird - Pair for life. They live in pair
and mate for life. Once a partner is selected, they remain
together as long as they live. Sarus crane has a loud trumpeting
call. Sarus is the tallest flying bird almost 5 feet.
The
present status of Sarus is vulnerable (IUCN Red data list).
Its population is decreasing and this bird is on verge of
extinction, unless some conservative measures are undertaken
by all to save this people-loved bird.
Major
threats to Sarus are,
-
Habitat loss
- Electrocution by high-tension power line.
- Intoxication
- Destruction of eggs by natural factors etc.
Gujarat
is one of few states in the country where world population
of Indian Sarus Crane is concentrated. In Dholka, Daskoi
and Dehgam areas around Ahemdabad, more than 300 Sarus birds
are found.
On
representation by wild life photographer and coordinator
of Sarus Nature Conservation Society, Mr. Deshal Pagi and
Forest Department regarding causalities of Sarus due to
electrocution, UGVCL's (Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited)
top management visited site along with Forest Department
officials and Mr. Pagi and decided to replace conventional
wires by coated conductor to save the precious Sarus bird.
In
all, a total of about 10 Km conductor is replaced with coated
conductor at the cost of approximately Rs. 3.0 Lacs in the
year 2009.
As
a part of its corporate social responsibility and as a part
of ethical business practices, public image and sustainable
development, UGVCL succeeded in reducing the casualties
to Sarus Crane bird by its noble gesture.
When
represented to the Company by Mr. Pagi, villagers and Forest
Department officials, it was referred to the Corporate Office.
The team of senior officials headed by the Managing Director
Shri AK Verma (IFS) immediately decided to do all possible
efforts for saving this endangered species and accorded
sanctions to expend as a gesture of corporate social responsibility.
Generally
coated conductor is procured by the Company for replacing
LT lines in village areas to reduce the theft by direct
hooking. As here HT (High Tension 11 KV) lines were required
to be replaced, special coating by XLPE for HT conductor
was ordered and after follow up, special gangs were deployed
to replace all possible open conductor by coated conductor
in areas identified in joint site inspection.
UGVCL
is therefore pleased to say that due to positive approach
and purposeful monitoring and sincere efforts of line staff
and Sub-Division Engineers, the task was accomplished and
causalities were reduced from 24 (during 2008) to 2 (during
2009).
Details
of actual work done is as under:
| Sr.
No |
Name
of Feeder |
Name of SubDivision |
HT/LT
Line |
Village |
Expenditure
Incurred |
1 |
11
KV Kothlana |
Dholka
(Town) |
2.10
KM HT |
Dholka |
Rs.
64,425/- |
2 |
11
KV Kothlana |
Dholka
(Town) |
1.20
KM LT |
Dholka |
Rs.
23,650/- |
3 |
11
KV Sarandi |
Dholka
(Rural) |
2.10
KM HT |
Dadusar |
Rs.
64,425/- |
4 |
11
KV Kothlana |
Dholka
(Town) |
1.80
KM HT |
Dholka |
Rs.
69,731/- |
5 |
11
KV Sarandi |
Dholka
(Rural) |
2.10
KM HT |
Dadusar |
Rs.
75,848/- |
It
is further requested to Forest officers and Mr. Deshal Pagi
to inform any other breeding locations of Sarus birds if
left out for similar endeavor to save this precious bird.
