High-voltage power lines from Nepal's expanding hydropower projects are causing numerous bird deaths, including critically endangered species. Conservationists highlight the poor planning and flawed environmental impact assessments as major contributors to the problem. Immediate action is needed to protect bird populations from further harm.
Original article written by: Abhaya Raj Joshi
Nepal's many power lines from over 100 hydropower projects are proving deadly for birds. Suman Hamal, a zoologist and lead author of a recent study, highlights the widespread issue of bird deaths near these power lines. Hamal recalls seeing bird deaths near power lines in his hometown of Putalibazar, which inspired his research. The study found that both large birds of prey and smaller birds, like house swifts and rock pigeons, are affected. The researchers observed a high rate of bird collisions and electrocutions along a 30.6-kilometer power line, showing the urgent need for better planning and environmental impact assessments.
Conservationists say Nepal’s fast hydropower growth makes this problem worse. Nepal has rapidly increased its high-voltage transmission lines, from 2,700 km to over 5,300 km in just seven years, with another 3,100 km planned. Even though environmental impact assessments are required, they often overlook bird safety. Ornithologist Hem Bahadur Katuwal and Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) CEO Ishana Thapa stress the need for simple solutions like bird spikes and changing pole designs to prevent electrocutions. However, these solutions are rarely used, leaving birds at risk.
Nepal's government recently introduced guidelines for wildlife-friendly infrastructure, but they do not fully address bird safety. Ankit Joshi from BCN points out that power lines are often laid in uncoordinated, dangerous patterns, creating traps for birds. Simple fixes, like increasing the distance between wires and using visual markers, could greatly reduce bird deaths. Gokarna Raj Pantha of the Electricity Regulatory Commission acknowledges the need for action but says current efforts are not enough. Comprehensive studies and effective bird protection measures are essential to safeguard Nepal’s birds as the hydropower projects expand.