Forest Land Diversion for Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project
The National Board for Wildlife’s Standing Committee has granted in-principle approval for diverting 142 hectares of forest land in Karnataka’s Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary. This decision is controversial due to potential ecological damage and the absence of final forest clearance. The sanctuary is a critical habitat for around 700 endangered lion-tailed macaques, a species with a declining global population of about 2,500 individuals.
Project Overview
The proposal involves diverting 142.76 hectares, including 39.72 hectares from the eco-sensitive zone, for the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project. This hydroelectric scheme, developed by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited, aims to generate 2,000 megawatts using existing reservoirs in Shivamogga and Uttara Kannada districts. The project plans to use Talakalale and Gerusoppa reservoirs as upper and lower reservoirs, utilising a vertical head of over 460 metres without building new dams.
Environmental Concerns
The project requires felling approximately 15,000 trees for an access road and underground pipelines. Experts and wildlife members have raised concerns about ecological damage, especially given the sanctuary’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The dense forest cover supports the largest population of lion-tailed macaques in the Western Ghats, making habitat disruption a critical issue.
Economic Viability and Energy Use
Doubts have been expressed about the economic viability of pumped storage, which consumes electricity to pump water uphill before generating power during peak hours. This process involves energy loss, reducing overall efficiency. However, the project intends to use solar energy for pumping water during daytime, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability.
Regulatory and Clearance Process
The proposal was recommended by Karnataka’s chief wildlife warden, State Board for Wildlife, and the state government. However, final approval depends on forest clearance under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is overseeing simultaneous processes for forest, wildlife, and environmental clearances. Site inspections have been conducted, but the Standing Committee requires all clearances before final appraisal.
Mitigation Measures
Mitigation plans include constructing canopy bridges to ensure the free movement of macaques across fragmented habitats. The chief wildlife warden described the project as green, emphasising minimal ecological impact due to the use of existing infrastructure. Nonetheless, experts stress the need for a thorough environmental impact assessment to assess forest loss, species affected, and long-term consequences.
| Related | |
|---|---|
