🗂️ Topic: Environment / Conservation / Energy Projects

Sharavathy Pumped Storage Project Gets Conditional Approval Amid Environmental Concerns

Introduction

The Sharavathy Pumped Storage Project, recently given conditional approval by Karnataka’s State Board of Wildlife, has stirred significant controversy. Situated within the Sharavathy Lion-Tailed Macaque Sanctuary, the project is drawing criticism for its potential ecological damage, especially to the habitat of the endangered Lion-Tailed Macaque. The approval was granted under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

⚡ Project Overview

• Hydropower capacity: 2,000 MW
• Tree felling (revised): Reduced from 16,000 trees to 7,000–8,000
• Area impacted:
  • 125 acres of dense forest
  • 245 acres of non-forest land
• Aimed at energy generation, but faces serious environmental scrutiny

🐒 Environmental Concerns

• The Lion-Tailed Macaque depends heavily on continuous tree canopy for movement
• Habitat fragmentation from tree felling could:
  • Disrupt movement corridors
  • Reduce genetic diversity
  • Push the species closer to extinction
• Conservationists argue that the evergreen forest ecosystem could face irreversible damage

🌳 About the Sanctuary

• Located in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO Biodiversity Hotspot
• Formed by merging multiple forest reserves
• Inhabited by:
  • Tigers
  • Leopards
  • Hornbills
  • And the critically endangered Lion-Tailed Macaque
• Represents one of India’s richest tropical rainforests

🔍 Next Steps and Public Opposition

• Project must now go through:
  • Review by the Central Wildlife Board
  • Additional environmental clearances
• Environmental groups are:
  • Planning continued public protests
  • Exploring legal routes to challenge the decision
• Raises urgent questions:
  • Can sustainable energy projects coexist with fragile ecosystems?
  • Where should the line be drawn between development and conservation?

Conclusion

The Sharavathy case has become a flashpoint in India’s ongoing debate on ecological ethics and energy needs. As the country pushes for renewable energy, how it protects its natural heritage will remain a defining issue.