Objective:
- Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd. (KPCL) aims to utilize the Sharavati valley’s pumped storage potential to generate an additional 2,000 MW of power.
- The project intends to address increasing peak power demand, projected to reach 23,058 MW by 2031-32.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology )
Environmental Concerns:
- The project site lies in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, leading to protests from environmentalists.
- Lion-Tailed Macaque Sanctuary Impact:
- Habitat fragmentation and tree canopy destruction could threaten the endangered lion-tailed macaque population.
- Flora and Fauna Threats:
- The region is home to diverse species such as leopards, wild dogs, pangolins, and sloth bears.
- Tree Cutting:
- 16,041 trees identified for cutting, with opposition to any tree removal.
- The Karnataka State Wildlife Board has demanded a reduction in tree felling (to 7,000–8,000 trees).
Project Plan and Implementation:
- Infrastructure:
- The project will involve connecting Gerusoppa and Talakalale reservoirs through a 7-km tunnel.
- Construction of a power station with 8 units, each 250 MW capacity.
- Majority of construction will take place underground to minimize forest disruption.
- Land Requirement:
- 142.764 hectares of land required, including 54.155 hectares of forest.
Energy and Cost Considerations:
- Estimated project cost: ₹8,644 crore, with a cost of ₹5.12 crore per MW.
- Energy produced via hydroelectric methods is cheaper than thermal, solar, or wind.
- However, critics argue that the energy consumed to pump water exceeds the energy generated, leading to a 24% energy loss.
