A crucial site inspection for the contentious Sharavathi pumped storage project was conducted by a high-level delegation from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) in Karnataka's Shivamogga district over the weekend. The visit has intensified the ongoing debate surrounding the proposed power project's environmental ramifications.
High-Level Delegation Assesses Project Grounds
The inspection team comprised prominent NBWL members Harishankar Singh and Raman Sukumar. They were joined by Shivakumar CM, the inspector general of forests (IGF) with the National Tiger Conservation Authority. The officials arrived in Sagar on Saturday with the primary objective of examining the precise location earmarked for the ambitious pumped storage project within the ecologically sensitive Sharavathi valley.
The project site holds particular significance and controversy because it is situated within the boundaries of the protected lion-tailed macaque sanctuary. The delegation's field assessment of the sanctuary area was scheduled to extend over two days, continuing on Sunday and Monday, allowing for a thorough review of the habitat.
Stakeholder Meetings and Environmental Concerns
Following the initial site visit, the officials engaged in a formal discussion with the local legislator, Sagar MLA Gopal Krishna Belur, during the evening. This meeting was pivotal for understanding the regional political perspective and developmental aspirations linked to the project.
Subsequently, the NBWL team held an interactive session with a group of environmentalists and activists who have been vocal opponents of the project. The purpose was to directly hear and document their ecological and conservation-related apprehensions regarding the potential impact on the sanctuary's fragile ecosystem and its endangered primate inhabitants.
Project at a Crossroads of Development and Conservation
The Sharavathi pumped storage project proposal has been a flashpoint, pitting energy infrastructure needs against critical wildlife conservation goals. Proponents argue it is essential for grid stability and renewable energy integration, while opponents warn of irreversible damage to a unique biodiversity hotspot.
This inspection by the NBWL, the apex body for wildlife clearance in the country, is a critical step in the decision-making process. The team's observations and the feedback collected from various stakeholders will likely form a key part of the final recommendation on whether the project should receive the necessary wildlife clearance, setting the stage for a significant policy decision.
