Home / Environment / Karnataka Power Project Faces Protests, Officials Defend Minimized Forest Impact
Karnataka Power Project Faces Protests, Officials Defend Minimized Forest Impact
27 Oct
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
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.
The project's primary objective is to generate 2,000 MW of power by utilizing the water stored in these reservoirs. During periods of excess power availability, water will be pumped from the Gerusoppa reservoir to the Talakalale reservoir, creating a potential energy source that can be tapped during peak demand hours.
To address concerns about the impact on the region's biodiversity, the KPCL has proposed constructing green canopies and culverts to facilitate the movement of the endangered lion-tailed macaque. The agency has also responded to the objections raised by the Deputy Inspector General of Forests, who had previously inspected the site and expressed reservations about the project.
