People opposing Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project write to PM Modi, ask him not to allow it
Parisarakkagi Naavu, an environmental forum, and Rashtra Bhaktara Balaga, an organisation headed by former Minister K.S. Eshwarappa, have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi not
Parisarakkagi Naavu, an environmental forum, and Rashtra Bhaktara Balaga, an organisation headed by former Minister K.S. Eshwarappa, have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to grant permission to the controversial Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project, proposed in the Western Ghats to generate 2,000 MW of power. Both organisations have written to Mr. Modi, citing the damage the project could cause to the pristine ecosystem and rich biodiversity of the ghats.
At a press conference in Shivamogga on Wednesday (June 17), Mr. Eshwarappa said that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, during his recent meeting with the Prime Minister, had placed several demands before him, including clearance for the project from the Centre. “The project has already been stayed by the Karnataka High Court, considering objections raised against it. However, the Chief Minister has now raised the issue. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah did the same during his tenure.
Their efforts to seek the Centre’s clearance, despite repeated protests, are unacceptable,” he said. He added that Deputy Inspector General of Forests Praneetha Paul and representatives of the Wildlife Board had advised against the project, citing the damage it could cause to the rare flora and fauna in the region. “There have been many protests by religious heads too. Why is the State government adamant on implementing the project?” he asked.
zilla panchayat member K.E. Kanthesh said that environmentalists of Shivamogga would visit Sagar on June 28 to stage a protest against the project. The protesters would also visit the office of the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited, the project promoter, at Karga in Sagar taluk, to register their opposition to the project. Representatives of Parisarakkagi Naavu and Rashtra Bhaktara Balaga were present.
The BriefWire