Expert panel against approving ₹10,000 crore Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project citing irreversible ecological harm
UPSC CSE Context Why in News: Expert panel recommends rejecting Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project due to irreversible ecological harm. Syllabus Connection: Environment and Ecology: Wildlife conservation, Environmental Impact Assessment, Energy projects in protected areas. Exam Relevance: Highlights conflict between renewable energy goals and biodiversity conservation, relevant for environment and governance questions. Core Issue Expert panel opposes ₹10,000 crore pumped storage project in wildlife sanctuary. Key Development: NBWL appointed committee recommends against approval citing ecological damage and net power loss. Stakeholders: Karnataka government Karnataka Power Corporation Limited National Board for Wildlife Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Petitioners Akhilesh Chipli et al. Lion tailed macaque Tiger corridor Static Knowledge High Value Background: Pumped storage projects store energy by pumping water uphill during low demand and releasing it to generate pow
## UPSC CSE Context **Why in News:** Expert panel recommends rejecting Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project due to irreversible ecological harm. **Syllabus Connection:** Environment and Ecology: Wildlife conservation, Environmental Impact Assessment, Energy projects in protected areas. **Exam Relevance:** Highlights conflict between renewable energy goals and biodiversity conservation, relevant for environment and governance questions. ## Core Issue Expert panel opposes ₹10,000 crore pumped storage project in wildlife sanctuary. **Key Development:** NBWL-appointed committee recommends against approval citing ecological damage and net power loss. **Stakeholders:** - Karnataka government - Karnataka Power Corporation Limited - National Board for Wildlife - Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change - Petitioners (Akhilesh Chipli et al.) - Lion-tailed macaque - Tiger corridor ## Static Knowledge **High-Value Background:** - Pumped storage projects store energy by pumping water uphill during low demand and releasing it to generate power during peak demand. **Exam Linkage:** - Useful for questions on balancing renewable energy with wildlife conservation and EIA. **Concepts in Context:** - Eco-Sensitive Zone: areas around protected areas regulated to minimize impact. - Section 29 of Wildlife Protection Act prohibits activities in sanctuaries without permission. **Institutions and Mechanisms:** - National Tiger Conservation Authority: statutory body for tiger conservation. ## Dynamic Analysis ### Environment and Ecology - Cumulative stress from existing hydropower infrastructure already degrades the ecosystem. - Irreversible ecological costs outweigh limited operational benefits. ### Energy and Economy - Project results in net loss of 500 MW, merely shifting power generation timing without adding capacity. - High capital cost of ₹10,000 crore with negative energy output raises economic viability concerns. - Disjointed proposal with concealed facts about transmission line requirements. ### Governance and Legal - Expert committee's recommendation challenges state government's push for project. - PIL underlines judicial scrutiny of projects in protected areas. - Proposal's inadequacy for comprehensive assessment highlights flaws in EIA process. ## Prelims Takeaways - Pumped storage projects consume more electricity than they generate due to efficiency losses. ## Mains Value Addition **Arguments:** - Renewable energy projects must not come at cost of biodiversity; cumulative impact assessment needed. - Pumped storage projects can support grid stability but should be sited outside ecologically sensitive areas. - Transparency in project proposals is essential for informed decision-making. **Data Points:** - Project cost: ₹10,000 crore. - Generates 2,000 MW at night consuming 2,500 MW during day. **Counterpoints:** - Pumped storage can integrate intermittent renewables like solar and wind. - State government may argue energy security benefits. ## Way Forward - Conduct comprehensive cumulative impact assessment for all hydropower projects in the region. - Explore alternative sites for pumped storage outside protected areas and eco-sensitive zones. - Strengthen EIA process to ensure full disclosure of project components and impacts. - Promote energy storage technologies with lower ecological footprint, such as battery storage.
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