Don’t carry out any work on ground for now on Sharavathi pumped storage hydroelectric project, Karnataka High Court directs State government
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Nuclear & new energy technology· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Karnataka High Court issued an interim order halting work on the ₹10,000 crore Sharavathi pumped storage hydroelectric project due to concerns over its impact on the Sharavathi Valley Lion Macaque Sanctuary.
Background
The project is a ₹10,000 crore pumped storage hydroelectric initiative located within the Sharavathi Valley Lion Macaque Sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone. The Karnataka High Court stayed construction following a petition challenging the legality of approvals from the State Wildlife Board and the National Board for Wildlife.
Facts for Prelims
- FactThe Sharavathi pumped storage hydroelectric project has an estimated cost of ₹10,000 crore.
- PlaceThe project is located within the Sharavathi Valley Lion Macaque Sanctuary in Karnataka.
- BodyThe National Board for Wildlife and the State Wildlife Board are the bodies responsible for granting project approvals.
- Act / BillThe Wildlife (Protection) Act governs the restrictions on construction within protected sanctuaries.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the conflict between large-scale renewable energy infrastructure and the preservation of biodiversity in eco-sensitive zones in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regulatory oversight: Ambiguity in the interpretation of 'eco-sensitive zone' boundaries under the Wildlife (Protection) Act
- Developmental trade-offs: Balancing the urgent need for pumped storage hydro for grid stability against habitat fragmentation for endangered species
Keywords: Eco-sensitive zones · Pumped storage hydroelectricity · Biodiversity conservation · Sustainable development · Regulatory scrutiny
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