Environmentalists in Shivamogga Call on Karnataka Govt to Halt Sharavathi PSP Project

Rapid Summary

• Event: Environmentalists gathered in Shivamogga to oppose the proposed Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project.
• Project Details: The ₹10,200 crore initiative aims to generate 2,000 MW of power through pumped-storage technology.
• Concerns Raised:

– The Western Ghats’ biodiversity has already been significantly damaged by developmental projects undertaken by Karnataka power Corporation Limited.- Concerns over environmental impact and damage to a critical ecological hotspot if the project proceeds.
– Recommendations were made to explore option energy solutions such as battery power storage systems and smart grids rather of pumped storage technology.

• Participants: Activists including B.M. Kumaraswamy, Akhilesh Chipli, and Anant Hegde Ashisara actively voiced opposition during a public meeting facilitated by Paryavaran Trust, Rashtriya Swabhiman Andolana, and other local groups.
• Political Opposition: Legislators from Honnavara and Bhatkal have reportedly opposed the project; other representatives from Shivamogga and Uttara Kannada districts were encouraged to follow suit.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The environmental concerns surrounding the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project highlight India’s ongoing struggle between infrastructure progress and ecological preservation. While the intent is to address energy needs wiht innovative solutions like pumped storage technology, resistance stems largely from its projected adverse impact on one of India’s most prized natural ecosystems-the Western ghats.Adopting alternate technologies such as battery-based storage systems or smart grids could align better with lasting development principles. Furthermore, political pushback implies growing regional advocacy for conservation efforts over disruptive large-scale projects. Moving forward, balancing environmental integrity with renewable energy goals will remain crucial for policymakers in Karnataka-as well as India at large-to ensure that future initiatives prioritize long-term sustainability alongside immediate development needs.

Read More link: Published August 17th 2025.<|endoftext|>