SHARAVATHI HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT

NEWS: The Karnataka High Court directed the State government to halt work on the Sharavathi Hydro Electric Project, following concerns raised by environmentalists.

ABOUT

• Launched in – 2017.
• LocationàSharavathi Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary, Shivamogga district of Karnataka.
• To generate 2,000 MW capacity and to integrate renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
• Implementing AgencyàKarnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), to meet peak-hour energy demands, which can touch 18,000 MW daily.
• Typeà Pumped Storage Hydropower is a reliable and large-scale energy storage technology that acts as a “water battery.”
• It uses two water reservoirs at different elevations, pumping water uphill during low-demand periods (surplus energy) and releasing it downhill through turbines to generate electricity during high-demand peaks, with 70–80% round-trip efficiency.
• Initially 16,000 trees, reduced to 7,000–8,000 after the Wildlife Board’s condition.

Sharavathi River

• Originà Ambutirtha, Thirthahalli (Shivamogga district), Western Ghats of Karnataka.
• It is a west-flowing river which drains into the Arabian Sea at Honnavar (Uttara Kannada) and flows for about 130 km through the Western Ghats.
• Dams & WaterfallsàLinganamakki Dam, Gersoppa Dam, Hirebhaskara (old-submerged) & Jog Falls (plunge waterfall), one of India’s highest waterfalls.
• The river is already the State’s primary hydel power source, with four major power stations operating in its valley.