What is the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project?

The Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project is a hydropower project being developed by the Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd. (KPCL) in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka, India.

How will the KPCL minimize the environmental impact of the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project?

The KPCL has stated that it will acquire minimum forest land for the project and construct green canopies and culverts to facilitate the movement of the endangered lion-tailed macaque.

What is the purpose of the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project?

The project aims to generate 2,000 MW of power by utilizing the water stored in the existing Talakalale and Gerusoppa reservoirs in the Sharavathi valley.

Home / Environment / Karnataka Power Project Faces Protests, Officials Defend Minimized Forest Impact

Karnataka Power Project Faces Protests, Officials Defend Minimized Forest Impact

27 Oct

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Summary

KPCL defends Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project, says it will acquire minimum forest area
Project aims to generate 2,000 MW of power using existing reservoirs
KPCL proposes measures to mitigate impact on endangered lion-tailed macaque

Karnataka Power Project Faces Protests, Officials Defend Minimized Forest Impact

In the face of ongoing protests, the Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd. (KPCL) has stepped forward to defend its Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project in the Western Ghats region. As of October 27, 2025, the project implementing agency has made a presentation to the media, outlining its plans to minimize the environmental impact.

KPCL's Chief Engineer Shilpa D. Raj explained that the project, which has been in the works since 2017, has already received in-principle approval from the National Board for Wildlife. The agency is currently in the process of securing the necessary forest and environmental clearances. According to the KPCL team, the project's strategic location near the existing Talakalale and Gerusoppa reservoirs will help reduce the overall land and deforestation requirements.