Karnataka Court Halts Sharavathi Dam Work Amidst Ecological Worries

Construction on the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project has been stopped by the Karnataka High Court. This project was planned to generate 2,000 MW of electricity.
By Newsroom | Environment, Law |

Karnataka High Court has ordered a halt to any on-ground work for the proposed Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project (PSP) and Kalkatte Bridge construction, pending further court review. This directive comes amidst significant controversy surrounding the project's placement within a wildlife sanctuary and mounting ecological concerns.

The court's pronouncement, delivered on Tuesday, explicitly states that no activities are to proceed in the forest areas without the court's prior permission. Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty, representing the Karnataka government, contended that the petition was premature, with the matter still under consideration by the National Wildlife Board, and that no approvals had yet been granted. Additional Solicitor General Aravind Kamath, appearing for the Union of India, acknowledged "serious concerns" being examined. Nevertheless, the bench’s oral instruction was firm: "Even if they give you permission, no preliminary work till we hear the petition."

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DEBATE OVER ECOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL COSTS

The Sharavathi PSP, a substantial electricity generation initiative planned for the Sharavathi River in Karnataka's Shivamogga district, has ignited a fierce debate. Environmentalists and local residents warn of "irreversible ecological damage" to the "fragile Western Ghats ecosystem," a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot. The project's location within the Sharavathi Valley LTM Sanctuary, a protected area, is particularly contentious, raising fears of "massive habitat and biodiversity loss."

The critically endangered Lion Tailed Macaque population, with a significant number of groups residing in the Sharavathi Valley, faces a severe threat. Reports suggest the project could impact over 360 acres of the wildlife sanctuary, at a time when Karnataka's forest cover remains below national targets.

Don’t carry out any work on ground for now on Sharavathi pumped storage hydroelectric project, Karnataka High Court directs State government - 1

Locals, like Mahesh and Gajanana Lingappa Naik from Begodi village, have voiced their resistance, expressing dismay over land acquisition discussions for the project. Their homes are situated amidst the very green hills slated for the "gargantuan" tunnels of the PSP.

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PROJECT'S AMBITIONS AND CRITICISMS

The Sharavathi PSP is pitched as a solution to Karnataka's escalating power demands. With peak power demand increasing by approximately 6-8 percent annually, the state government is pushing for pumped storage projects to meet future needs. The project, described as potentially generating 2,000 MW of electricity, aims to pump water uphill during off-peak hours using grid power and release it during peak demand to generate electricity. It is also purported to supply drinking water to Bengaluru.

However, critics label the concept of pumped storage projects as "money and power guzzlers" that are "ecologically unsustainable." The project has been dubbed "India’s most controversial hydro-power project since Independence" by some. Allegations of corruption have also surfaced alongside concerns about ecological damage.

The Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) has defended the project, citing conditional approvals from the state wildlife board and environmental departments. However, the project's model appears to be influenced by Telangana’s Kaleshwaram project, raising further questions about its suitability and potential implications. The Sharavathi PSP thus becomes a focal point in broader discussions about India’s energy goals versus ecological sustainability.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Karnataka High Court stop work on the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project on Tuesday?
The court ordered a halt to all on-ground work for the project and Kalkatte Bridge construction. This is because there are big worries about the project being built inside a wildlife sanctuary and causing harm to the environment.
Q: What are the main environmental worries about the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project?
Environmental groups and local people are worried about causing permanent damage to the Western Ghats, which is a very important area for many plants and animals. The project is planned inside the Sharavathi Valley LTM Sanctuary, and this could harm the homes of animals like the Lion Tailed Macaque.
Q: Who is affected by the halt in the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project work?
Environmentalists, local villagers like Mahesh and Gajanana Lingappa Naik, and the Karnataka government are affected. The court's decision stops the government and the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited from continuing the project for now.
Q: What does the Karnataka government say about the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project?
The Karnataka government says the petition is too early because the National Wildlife Board is still looking at the project. They also say no final approvals have been given yet. However, the court said no work can start even if they get permission later.
Q: What is the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project supposed to do?
The project is planned to generate 2,000 MW of electricity to meet Karnataka's growing power needs. It works by pumping water uphill when electricity is cheap and releasing it to make power when demand is high. It is also meant to supply drinking water to Bengaluru.