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The proposed Sharavati Pumped Storage Project, aimed to generate 2,000 MW of power in the valley, has met with a hurdle as the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) decided to defer the proposal and seek clarifications from the State government. Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), the project proponent, has sought forest clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. The project requires diversion of 54.155 hectares of forest land in villages of Sagar and Honnavar divisions. The project came up before the FAC in its meeting held on October 27. In minutes of the meeting, the committee noted: “After going through the facts of the proposal and submissions made by the nodal officer of the Karnataka government, the committee deferred the proposal and sought clarifications.” The committee stated that the government shall explore alternatives to the underground road and asked to file a comprehensive reply. The project that involves construction of pumped storage scheme of 2,000 MW utilising the existing Talakalale and Gerusoppa reservoirs. Both the reservoirs will be connected with a water conductor system. An underground powerhouse cavern with eight units of 250 MW reversible pump turbine will come between the reservoirs. Objections raised The FAC took note of the spot inspection report filed by Praneetha Paul, Deputy Inspector-General of Forest (DIGF), from the regional office of the MOEF and Climate Change. The report did not recommend the project citing that the proposed forest area falls inside the Sharavati Valley Lion Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary, which is part of the central regions of the Western Ghats. Further, the FAC considered the observations of the standing committee of the National Board of Wildlife (SCNBW) made in its 84th meeting held on June 26, 2025. The committee had recommended the proposal in principle with certain conditions, including reducing the number of trees enumerated for felling. It had directed a committee that includes three members and a nominee of the Ministry to visit the site and submit a report. Wildlife mitigation plan Now, the FAC has decided to consider the findings of the committee formed to inspect the site before taking its decision. It asked the State government to submit the copy of the report of the committee. However, the committee is yet to visit the site. Besides that, the FAC asked the government to submit the Wildlife Mitigation Plan for the project. An official of the KPCL, responding to the observations of the FAC, said it would take it up once the sub-committee of the SCNBW submits its site inspection report. The KPCL had been in touch with the committee and it might visit the site within a few days.
