Shivamogga Erupts in Protest Over Controversial Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project
A significant day-and-night sit-in protest was launched in Shivamogga on Tuesday, targeting the proposed Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project. The demonstration, led by former deputy chief minister KS Eshwarappa and organized by the 'Rashtrabhaktara Balaga' group alongside various environmental organizations, mobilized religious leaders, local activists, and concerned citizens in a unified stand against the development.
Religious Leader Slams Project as 'Anti-Nature'
Inaugurating the protest, Maruti Guruji of Bangarumakki Mutt in Gerusoppa delivered a scathing critique of the political establishment. He labeled the project as fundamentally 'anti-nature', highlighting a stark contradiction in government policy. 'A government that restricts Deepavali crackers for environmental protection is simultaneously permitting the use of 18,000 metric tonnes of explosives for this project,' Guruji stated, emphasizing the perceived hypocrisy.
He further detailed the project's immense scale and potential damage, noting its estimated cost exceeding Rs 10,450 crore. The religious leader warned that the initiative threatens to destroy between 16,000 and 50,000 trees and would artificially reverse the natural flow of the Sharavathi River, causing irreversible ecological harm.
Environmental and Livelihood Catastrophe Feared
Other leaders at the protest amplified these concerns by citing alarming scientific reports. They pointed to studies indicating a 60% risk of landslides in the region if the project proceeds. The potential axing of nearly 64,000 trees would not only devastate the fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats but also permanently destroy the livelihoods of thousands of people who depend on this biodiverse landscape.
- Project cost estimated over Rs 10,450 crore.
- Risk of destroying 16,000 to 50,000 trees.
- High landslide risk (60%) identified in reports.
- Livelihoods of Western Ghats communities at stake.
Government Response and Current Status
Responding to the mounting public pressure, Shivamogga MP BY Raghavendra provided clarification on the government's position. He explained that while the state government has submitted a funding proposal with a 60:40 cost-sharing ratio, the Union government has not yet granted official approval for the project.
'For the time being, work has been halted from an environmental perspective,' the MP stated, acknowledging the serious ecological concerns raised. He added that discussions are actively ongoing to address the public's apprehensions, indicating that the project's future remains under review amidst the significant opposition.
The protest underscores a growing clash between infrastructure development and environmental conservation in Karnataka, with the fate of the Sharavathi valley hanging in the balance as activists vow to continue their resistance.
