People opposing Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project write to PM Modi, ask him not to allow it

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription The View From India Looking at World Affairs from the Indian perspective. First Day First Show News and reviews from the world of cinema and streaming. Today's Cache Your download of the top 5 technology stories of the day. Data Point Decoding the headlines with facts, figures, and numbers Health Matters Ramya Kannan writes to you on getting to good health, and staying there The Hindu On Books Books of the week, reviews, excerpts, new titles and features. Former Minister K.S. Eshwarappa addressing a press conference in Shivamogga on Wednesday (June 17). | Photo Credit: S.K. Dinesh Parisarakkagi Naavu, an environmental forum, and Rashtra Bhaktara Balaga, an organisation headed by former Minister K.S. Eshwarappa, have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to grant permission to the controversial Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project, proposed in the Western Ghats to generate 2,000 MW of power. Both organisations have written to Mr. Modi, citing the damage the project could cause to the pristine ecosystem and rich biodiversity of the ghats. At a press conference in Shivamogga on Wednesday (June 17), Mr. Eshwarappa said that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, during his recent meeting with the Prime Minister, had placed several demands before him, including clearance for the project from the Centre. “The project has already been stayed by the Karnataka High Court, considering objections raised against it. However, the Chief Minister has now raised the issue. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah did the same during his tenure. Their efforts to seek the Centre’s clearance, despite repeated protests, are unacceptable,” he said. He added that Deputy Inspector General of Forests Praneetha Paul and representatives of the National Wildlife Board had advised against the project, citing the damage it could cause to the rare flora and fauna in the region. “There have been many protests by religious heads too. Why is the State government adamant on implementing the project?” he asked. Former zilla panchayat member K.E. Kanthesh said that environmentalists of Shivamogga would visit Sagar on June 28 to stage a protest against the project. The protesters would also visit the office of the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited, the project promoter, at Karga in Sagar taluk, to register their opposition to the project. Representatives of Parisarakkagi Naavu and Rashtra Bhaktara Balaga were present.