Shimoga activists are protesting a proposed nuclear plant in Besur, citing environmental risks to the sensitive Western Ghats region.
SHIMOGA
Environmental activists and local groups have launched a fierce protest against a proposed nuclear power plant in Besur village, located in Sagar Taluk. At a recent press conference, members of the Rashta Bhakta Group warned that the sensitive Western Ghats region cannot handle such a massive and “hazardous” project.
The protesters expressed outrage over reports that the district administration has identified 3,190 acres of land in Besur for the plant. While officials in other districts like Raichur and Uttara Kannada reportedly found no suitable space, local leaders are questioning why Shimoga’s administration is opening its doors to a project they label as “deadly.”
The group highlighted that the region is already burdened by several large-scale energy projects, including the Varahi and Linganamakki reservoirs. They argued that adding a nuclear facility would cause irreversible damage to the environment and the safety of nearby residents. “The land in this sensitive region does not have the capacity to carry such massive projects,” a spokesperson stated, calling the administration’s move irresponsible.
Looking ahead, activists plan to meet with the District Collector to demand an immediate halt to the study. They also pointed to recent statements from Union ministers favoring solar and wind energy over nuclear power. The protesters urged the government to prioritize these greener alternatives to protect the Western Ghats. Community leaders and environmentalists have vowed to continue their strike until the plan is officially scrapped.
