Intro
K.S. Eshwarappa opposed the project, alleging a Rs. 10,700 crore conspiracy and stressing water preservation for future generations
SHIVAMOGGA
A large-scale protest was held against the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project, organized jointly by Rashtachhaktara Balgha and environmental groups. Protesters marched from Seenappashetty Circle to the District Collector’s office, denouncing the project as anti-environmental, anti-people, and unscientific.
Former Deputy Chief Minister and Rashtachhaktara Balgha convener K.S. Eshwarappa told the crowd that the government will not allow the project under any circumstances. He alleged a Rs. 10,700 crore conspiracy linked to the project and stressed that the struggle aims to preserve abundant water for future generations.
Environmental activists highlighted serious ecological concerns. Prof. B.M. Kumaraswamy criticized conflicting reports on the Western Ghats’ conservation forest, where endangered Singalika and Mangatte birds reside. Dr. L.K. Sripathy said KPCL had not responded to requests regarding compensation for damage to aquatic life, farmland, fisheries, and plant resources, demonstrating an anti-people and anti-environment stance.
Notable participants included former MLAs A.T. Ramaswamy, A.S. Padmanabha Bhat, M. Shakar, Parashurama Gowda, Ravi, Ramesh Babu, E. Vishwas, Srikanth, Dr. Basavaraju, and others.
Voices from the protest:
- K.E. Kantesh, Rashtrakhandar Balaga leader, said Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav has not approved the project, yet State Energy Minister K.J. George is pushing it forward. The protest will continue until it is halted.
- Shri Maruti Guruji warned about the environmental risks, noting the project involves a 130-foot tunnel and 18,500 tons of gelatin explosives, calling it unacceptable in a sensitive region.