What is the status of the Sharavati Pumped Storage Project in Karnataka?

The forest advisory committee has deferred approval for the 2,000 MW Sharavati Pumped Storage Project, seeking clarification on the cutting of trees in the project area.

Why are environmentalists protesting the Sharavati Pumped Storage Project?

Environmentalists in the Malnad region of Karnataka are planning to intensify protests against the Sharavati Pumped Storage Project due to concerns about its potential impacts on the Western Ghats.

What recommendations did the National Board of Wildlife make for the Sharavati Pumped Storage Project?

The National Board of Wildlife recommended that most of the 518 trees in the area where a surge tank had been proposed could be saved if an alternative underground structure was constructed, and that over 12,000 trees enumerated for felling for the construction of a road could be saved if the proposed underground road was extended.

Home / Environment / Forest Panel Defers Approval for Massive Hydropower Project in Karnataka

Forest Panel Defers Approval for Massive Hydropower Project in Karnataka

15 Aug

•

Summary

Forest advisory committee defers approval for 2,000 MW Sharavati Pumped Storage Project
Seeks clarification on cutting of trees in the project area
Environmentalists plan to intensify protests against the project

Forest Panel Defers Approval for Massive Hydropower Project in Karnataka

As of August 15, 2025, the forest advisory committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has deferred the approval for the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL)'s proposal for the Sharavati Pumped Storage Project. The committee is seeking clarification on the cutting of trees in the project area.

The KPCL had proposed the 2,000 MW project to generate power in the Sharavati valley, utilizing the Talakalale and Gerusoppa reservoirs. The project would require the diversion of 54.155 hectares of forestland at a cost of ₹10,240 crore.

In its report on August 7, the advisory committee stated that it had detailed discussions with officials and sought clarifications on three key issues. This includes the status of compliance with the recommendations made by the National Board of Wildlife (NBW) to save hundreds of trees by modifying the project design. The committee also sought the state government's comments on the concerns raised by the regional office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Meanwhile, environmentalists in the Malnad region have resolved to intensify their protests against the project. A meeting was held on August 11 to spread awareness about the project's potential impacts on the Western Ghats region.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.