The National Board for Wildlife(NBWL) has approved the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project which is a proposed 2,000 MW renewable energy initiative by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited. The project will be initiated in Shivamogga district, Karnataka. It is designed to be India's largest reservoir for peak demand power generation using the reservoirs for peak-demand power generation. It will utilise Talakalale (upper) and Gerusoppa (lower) reservoir. The project involves 14 km of underground tunnels with an estimated cost of over ₹10,000 crore.
The 2,000 MW Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project, proposed by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), is looking to produce renewable energy by using a pumped-storage system between the existing Talakalale (upper) and Gerusoppa (lower) reservoirs.
What is National Board for Wildlife(NBWL)?
The National Board for Wildlife(NBWL) is India's apex body for promoting wildlife conservation and advising the Central Government on protecting the flora and fauna. It was established in 2003 under the Wild Life Protection Act 1972. It is chaired by the Prime Minister and approves projects near national parks and sanctuaries. Let’s take a look at the details of NBWL.
- Composition: The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is a 47-member statutory body chaired by the Prime Minister of India, with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister serving as Vice-Chairperson. The board includes government officials, 10 nominated conservation experts, representatives from five NGOs, and three Members of Parliament, and is responsible for guiding wildlife conservation and the management of protected areas in India.
- Standing Committee: A smaller active committee handles approvals and is chaired by the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- Chairperson: The Prime Minister of India serves as the official Chairperson.
Key Aspects of the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project
The Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project includes the construction of five tunnels and eight 250 MW pumping stations. However, it faces significant challenges due to its location within the ecologically sensitive Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary. The project will use 62.8 m Talakalale upper dam and 64 m Gerusoppa lower dam. Let’s take a look at the key aspects of the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project.
1. Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project Location
The Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project will be initiated within the Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone. This is situated in the Western Ghats, Shivamogga district, Karnataka near the Sharavathi river.
2. Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project Infrastructure
The hydroelectric project uses the 62.48 m Talakalale upper dam and 64 m Gerusoppa lower dam with 8 pumping stations. The design also includes five tunnels for transferring water between the reservoirs.
3. Status and Developer
The Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project is being developed by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited and Megha Engineering Infrastructures. It has been approved by the National Board for Wildlife, though it has faced restrictions due to environmental concerns.
4. Environmental Concerns
The hydroelectric project is located in a high biodiversity area and is threatening due to destruction of tropical evergreen forests, disrupting wildlife habitats and impacting endangered species including the lion-tailed macaque.
5. Controversy
The hydroelectric project has been delayed due to concerns over enormous damage to the Western Ghats and insufficient environmental impact assessments. This project has also faced intense criticism from environmentalists, local communities and has also faced hurdles from the central government.
Key Details About the Sharavati River
The Sharavathi River is located in the western part of Karnataka and is one of the few rivers in India that flows in the west direction. A large portion of its basin lies within the Western Ghats and is known for its rich biodiversity. The river originates in the Western Ghats and flows in a northwesterly direction for about 128 km before emptying into the Arabian Sea at Honnavar. Along its course, the Sharavathi forms the spectacular Jog Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in India, where the river plunges from a height of 253 meters. The Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project will utilise these natural resources and will be designed as a water battery to store surplus renewable energy during off peak hours and release it to generate power during peak demand.
The Role of NBWL and Environmental Issues
The Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project’s advancement depends on strict regulations due to its impact on the Western Ghats which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A large portion of land is required for the project which is approximately 142 hectares along with NBWL’s 28 conditions. Let’s take a look at the role of NBWL and Environmental Constraints.
1. Land Diversion
The hydroelectric project proposal involves diverting approximately 142 hectares of forest and non-forest land within the sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone. This is a large portion of the ecology and it makes the area vulnerable to potential threats.
2. NBWL Conditions
The NBWL agreed to the hydroelectric project but came with 28 conditions such as restricted construction timings, the use of canopy bridges for macaques and a ban on labor camps within forest areas. These conditions aim at balancing the project work and wildlife & ecological welfare.
3. Wildlife Impact
The site of the hydroelectric project is the primary habitat for the endangered Lion-tailed Macaque. The project will also require felling of more than 15,000 trees which is a large number. Ecological experts warn that felling of so many trees for tunneling work will fragment key forest corridors.
4. Current Status
As of early 2026, the hydroelectric project faces several legal hurdles due to the it’s negative environmental impacts. The Karnataka High Court has issued notices following the legality of the NBWL's approval. Also in the past, some federal environmental clearances were put on hold in 2025 due to landslide risks.
Conclusion
The Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project is a 2,000 MW renewable energy project by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited. It has been legally approved by the National Board of Wildlife but they have put certain conditions such as restriction of construction timings, the use of canopy bridges for macaques and a ban on labor camps within forest areas. The hydroelectric project aims at construction of 14 km of underground tunnels with a cost of over ₹10,000 crore. There has been some criticism due to negative environmental impacts such as felling of 15,000 trees and using the site where an endangered species called Lion-tailed Macaque stays.