K. S. Eshwarappa announced protests against a project threatening 16,000 trees, wildlife, and the Sharavathi valley, citing tunneling, explosives, landslides, water pollution, and earthquake risks
Shivamogga
A night-long Dharani Satyagraha will be held in Shivamogga to oppose the proposed Sharavathi Pumped Storage project, which activists claim may seriously harm the environment. The protest will take place in front of Nehru Maidan from 9:30 a.m. on March 24 to 9:30 a.m. on March 25.
Rashtrabhakti Balaga convener K. S. Eshwarappa announced the protest at a press conference. He said the project could lead to the cutting of more than 16,000 trees and may threaten wildlife living in the Western Ghats region. According to him, the area is home to rare species such as the lion-tailed macaque, Kalinga snake, Mangatte bird and many medicinal plants. Environmental groups fear that landslides, water pollution and drying of rivers may occur if the project proceeds.
Activists also raised concerns that around 18,000 tons of explosives may be used for underground tunnelling up to 1,800 feet deep. They warned that such heavy blasting could increase the risk of earthquakes and damage the natural balance of the Sharavathi valley.
Environmental expert Dr. B. M. Kumaraswamy said some activists have approached the High Court regarding the project. The court has asked the State and Central governments to respond by June 10. Until then, he urged authorities not to begin any work in the valley.
Another expert, Dr. Sripati L. K., said the project cost could rise from ₹10,500 crores to nearly ₹20,000 crores. He suggested that battery storage systems, which have higher efficiency, could be considered as an alternative.
Organizers said around 500 people and several environmental groups are expected to join the overnight protest.