A Karnataka Forest Department site-inspection report has warned that the proposed Sharavathi pumped storage project could adversely affect forests, wildlife habitat, the river catchment, soil and biodiversity in the Western Ghats, while allowing that the project could be considered subject to conditions.
The report was prepared after the deputy conservator of forests of the Shivamogga Wildlife Circle inspected the proposed project site and submitted findings to the Union environment ministry on August 28. The report concerns the project planned in and around the Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary and follows a proposal from Karnataka Power Corporation Limited seeking approval to use 30 acres of forest land in the Kargal range of Shivamogga Wildlife Circle.
According to the report, the project could affect the forest, wildlife, reservoir, river basin, soil moisture and habitats of endangered species. It also warned that construction-related activity could increase the risk of landslides and soil erosion in the Western Ghats.
The forest department assessment said road widening and other development work required for construction could fragment wildlife habitat. It identified possible disruption to the movement of the lion-tailed macaque and other mammals. Vehicle movement and the presence of workers during construction could cause continuing disturbance to wildlife, increase pollution and lead to significant changes in animal behaviour, the report said.
The construction period is expected to last at least five years, according to the assessment. The report said the prolonged work could alter the character of the forest and affect local biodiversity through air pollution, noise pollution and soil degradation.
The assessment also referred to a survey conducted by the Karnataka Forest Department in collaboration with other institutions in 2022-23. That survey recorded 730 lion-tailed macaques in the Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary. The report warned that the proposed project could disturb their habitat and create a strong possibility of a decline in their numbers.
The proposed project is intended to generate 2,000 megawatts of electricity. Before the forest department’s site inspection, a report by the National Institute of Advanced Studies in Bengaluru had stated that the project could be approved, according to the report carried by Prajavani. The forest department’s latest assessment has now placed the potential ecological effects on record while indicating that any approval would need to be subject to conditions.
The report follows the submission by KPCL’s chief engineer to the Union environment ministry for approval to use the forest land. The ministry’s consideration of that proposal and any conditions attached to a future decision will determine the next formal stage for the Sharavathi pumped storage project.
