Activists Protest Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project in Shivamogga

Environmental activists from the forums Parisarakkagi Naavu and Rashtrabhaktara Balaga organized a protest march, known as a jatha, in Shivamogga city to oppose the proposed Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project (PSP). The demonstration, which saw significant participation from locals riding bicycles and two-wheelers, began at Allama Prabhu Park, traversed key areas of the city, and concluded at the Deputy Commissioner’s office. The protesters argue that the project, designed to generate 2,000 MW of power by connecting two dams via an underground pipeline, poses a severe threat to the Western Ghats, a recognized biodiversity hotspot. They highlight that the construction site is home to rare flora and fauna, including the endangered lion-tailed macaque. The activists contend that the ecological damage resulting from the project would be irreversible and detrimental to the region's natural heritage. This event underscores the growing tension between infrastructure development for energy security and the urgent need for environmental conservation in sensitive ecological zones in India.