Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project: Balancing Renewable Energy Goals and Western Ghats Ecological Protection -

Introduction

The Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project in Karnataka has sparked a heated debate between the government’s push for renewable energy infrastructure and environmentalists’ concerns about irreversible ecological damage. Proposed by the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), the project is set in the fragile Western Ghats a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity in the world. The controversy has brought India’s environmental laws and policies under scrutiny, highlighting the tension between development goals and ecological preservation.

The Project and Its Scope

The Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project aims to generate 2,000 MW of renewable energy through pumped storage hydropower technology. This involves creating an upper and lower reservoir system to store energy and release it during peak demand hours. While the government frames it as a step towards achieving India’s renewable energy targets and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, the project area falls within dense forests and eco-sensitive zones.

KPCL estimates that around 150 hectares of forest land will be diverted for the project, though environmentalists argue the actual impact could be far greater. The forests here are home to endemic species like the lion-tailed macaque, Malabar civet, and several endangered amphibians. Any large-scale deforestation in this region could disrupt water cycles, soil stability, and biodiversity.

The Environmental Concerns

Opponents of the project warn that the Western Ghats’ ecology is already under stress due to decades of deforestation, mining, and infrastructure expansion. The Sharavathi River basin is a critical watershed supporting agriculture, fisheries, and drinking water supply for surrounding districts.
Major concerns include:

Loss of Biodiversity – Forest clearance could threaten rare flora and fauna found only in the Western Ghats.
Hydrological Impact – Altering natural water flows might affect downstream communities and aquatic ecosystems.
Carbon Sink Reduction – Forests act as carbon sinks; clearing them undermines climate change mitigation efforts.
Landslide Risk – The region’s steep slopes are prone to landslides, and construction could heighten the risk.

Legal Framework Governing the Project

India’s environmental laws form the backbone of how such projects are assessed and approved:

1. Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

Any diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes requires approval from the Central Government. The Sharavathi Project must obtain clearance, which involves compensatory afforestation and adherence to conservation measures.

2. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006

Under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, large infrastructure projects must undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment. This process includes public consultations, impact studies, and mitigation plans. Critics argue that EIAs for projects in ecologically sensitive areas should be more stringent.

3. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

If the project affects wildlife habitats, clearances under this Act are necessary, especially if endangered species are present in the area.

4. Biological Diversity Act, 2002

This law aims to conserve biological diversity and ensure sustainable use. Any activity leading to habitat destruction in biodiversity-rich areas could be contested under its provisions.

5. Supreme Court Guidelines on Eco-Sensitive Zones

The Court has mandated that areas within 1 km of protected forests, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries be treated as eco-sensitive zones. The Sharavathi region’s proximity to such zones complicates project clearance.

Policy and Governance Challenges

The Sharavathi dispute exposes gaps in India’s environmental governance. While laws exist to safeguard forests and wildlife, their enforcement often falters under developmental pressures. In many cases, project clearances are granted despite expert committee warnings, with mitigation promises rarely monitored post-approval.

There’s also a debate over the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process—critics say it often underestimates long-term ecological damage and sidelines local community voices. In the Sharavathi case, tribal and local communities dependent on forest resources claim their consent and concerns have not been adequately considered.

Balancing Development and Conservation

India’s renewable energy goals are ambitious aiming for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. Pumped storage hydropower can play a key role in balancing intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind. However, experts suggest that such projects should be located in degraded or less ecologically sensitive areas, rather than pristine forests.

The Sharavathi issue is a microcosm of the larger national debate: how to reconcile climate-friendly energy production with the equally pressing need to protect biodiversity. Policy reforms could include:

Strengthening the EIA process for sensitive zones.
Mandating cumulative impact assessments (considering other nearby projects).
Ensuring genuine community participation in decision-making.
Investing in alternatives like rooftop solar, battery storage, and offshore wind.

Conclusion

The Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project sits at the crossroads of India’s environmental and energy policies. While it aligns with the country’s renewable energy vision, its location in the Western Ghats poses serious ecological risks. This conflict underscores the urgent need for a balanced approach one that treats environmental conservation not as an obstacle to development, but as a prerequisite for truly sustainable growth.

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