Protests Halt Sharavathi Hydroelectric Project in Karnataka Amidst Environmental Concerns
The Karnataka High Court has ordered a halt to work on the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project in the Western Ghats, following protests from environmentalists. The project, proposed by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), is located in the Sharavathi Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary, a biodiversity hotspot. Environmentalists argue it would destroy wet evergreen forests, isolate lion-tailed macaque populations, and cause landslips. Despite KPCL's defense of the project as crucial for energy transition and meeting 50% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, an expert panel from the MoEF concluded that its limited operational benefits are outweighed by irreversible ecological and social costs.
Key Points
- The Karnataka High Court halted the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project due to environmental concerns and protests.
- The project is located in the Sharavathi Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary, a biodiversity hotspot in the Western Ghats.
- Environmentalists fear the project will destroy forests, isolate endangered species like lion-tailed macaques, and cause landslips.
- The Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) defends the project as vital for energy transition and achieving 50% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
- An expert panel from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) found the project's ecological and social costs outweigh its benefits.
Exam Facts
- The Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project was proposed by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL).
- The project is in the Sharavathi Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Western Ghats.
- The Central Electricity Authority recommended a transition to clean energy, targeting 50% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
- The project's estimated cost increased from ₹4,800 crore in 2017 to nearly ₹10,240 crore.
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