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Sharavathi Hydroelectric Project
The Karnataka High Court halted the Sharavathi Hydro Electric Project due to environmental concerns in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats.
Sharavathi Hydro Project & Region :
| Aspect | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Project Launch | Proposed in 2017. |
| Location | Sharavathi Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary, Shivamogga district, Karnataka. |
| Implementing Agency | Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL). |
| Objective | Generate 2,000 MW power and integrate renewable energy sources like solar and wind. |
| Type of Project | Pumped Storage Hydropower (acts as a “water battery”). |
| Working Mechanism | Uses two reservoirs at different elevations; pumps water during low demand and releases it during peak demand to generate electricity. |
| Efficiency | About 70–80% round-trip efficiency. |
| Environmental Concerns | Tree felling (~7,000–8,000), threat to lion-tailed macaques, wet evergreen forests and ecosystem integrity. |
| Judicial Action | Karnataka High Court directed halt of project work. |
| Sharavathi River Origin | Ambutirtha, Thirthahalli (Western Ghats). |
| River Flow | West-flowing river draining into the Arabian Sea at Honnavar (~130 km). |
| Major Dams | Linganamakki Dam, Gersoppa Dam, Hirebhaskara (submerged). |
| Waterfall | Jog Falls (one of India’s highest plunge waterfalls). |
| Sanctuary Establishment | 1972 (expanded and renamed in 2019). |
| Area | 431.23 sq km. |
| Key Species | Lion-tailed macaque (endemic and endangered). |
| Ecological Significance | Part of Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot with rich wet evergreen forests. |