Context
The Supreme Court of India ruled that corporates have a fundamental duty to protect the ecosystem, holding that Corporate Social Responsibility must include environmental responsibility, especially for protecting endangered species. The judgment arose from petitions concerning threats to the Great Indian Bustard due to infrastructure and power projects.
Great Indian Bustard
• Scientific name: Ardeotis nigriceps.
• IUCN status: Critically Endangered.
• Habitat: Arid and semi-arid grasslands.
• Major States: Rajasthan (largest population), Gujarat, small numbers in Maharashtra, Karnataka.
• Threats: Power transmission lines, habitat loss, renewable and non-renewable energy projects, mining.
• Importance: Flagship species of Indian grasslands; among the heaviest flying birds.
• Legal/Policy support: Protected under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; court invoked Article 51A(g) (duty to protect environment).
• Key conservation point: Corporates must bear costs under polluter pays principle for species recovery.
