UPSC Notes

Environmental Impact of Infrastructure Development

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Addresses the critical balance between development and environmental protection, sustainable development goals, environmental impact assessment, and the need for green infrastructure. Relevant for Environment, Economy, and Governance sections.

Rapid infrastructure development, while essential for economic growth, often poses significant environmental challenges, including habitat fragmentation, pollution, and direct mortality to wildlife, necessitating careful planning and mitigation strategies.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Threat Source

Expanding power infrastructure (high-tension and medium-voltage lines) leading to avian electrocution.

Mechanism of Harm

Electrocution occurs when large birds like raptors with wide wingspans contact two conductors simultaneously or bridge an energized and grounded component.

Vulnerable Species

Vultures, steppe eagles, Egyptian vultures, and other large birds are particularly susceptible due to perching habits and attraction to elevated structures.

Mitigation Strategies

Insulating conductors, increasing gap between components, installing safe perches, and relocating feeding sites away from power lines.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaEnvironmental Law & Policy
Conceptual areaBiodiversity Conservation & Protected Areas
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Infrastructure development poses environmental threats.
  • Electrocution from power lines is a major avian threat.
  • Vultures, eagles vulnerable due to habits, wingspan.
  • Mitigation: Insulation, safe perches, site relocation.
  • Crucial for sustainable development.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Environmental Law & PolicyBiodiversity Conservation & Protected Areas

Deadly span: On vulture safety in India, threat of electrocution

01 Sep 2026 · Infrastructure development, particularly power grids, presents a significant environmental challenge through avian electrocution. This issue, exemplified by vulture mortality, requires proactive mitigation measures like design modifications and strategic siting to ensure sustainable development.

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Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Environmental Impact of Infrastructure Development in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Environmental Impact of Infrastructure Development

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

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