Karnataka seeks Centre’s clearance for Sharavati, Mekedatu projects

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday urged the Centre to expedite clearances for the Sharavati Pumped Storage and Mekedatu drinking water projects, and defer the final notification designating 56,825.7 sq. km of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) until a physical survey is completed.

At a meeting with Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi, Mr. Shivakumar sought the approval of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) for both projects.

What NBWL said

An expert committee appointed by the NBWL has recommended against the proposed ₹10,000-crore Sharavati Pumped Storage project in Shivamogga and Uttara Kannada districts, citing ecological concerns. It has also questioned the rationale for the project proposed by the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited.

For the Mekedatu project, the State has sought permission to drill 20 boreholes within the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary for a geotechnical survey. The Union Environment Ministry has sought additional information on petitions concerning the project pending before the Supreme Court.

Mr. Shivakumar said the information would be provided shortly. He clarified that the proposal was limited to survey work and did not involve diversion of land within the protected area for the project.

Western Ghats notification

Mr. Shivakumar urged the Centre to defer the finalisation of the seventh draft notification declaring parts of the Western Ghats ecologically sensitive under the Kasturirangan report until the physical survey was completed.

The State had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 25, seeking the Centre’s consideration of the survey before finalising the notification. The Karnataka Legislature has also adopted a resolution supporting a physical survey of the Western Ghats in the State, followed by the identification and declaration of ecologically sensitive areas.

Belagavi sugar factory

Mr. Shivakumar also sought the exclusion of Eco Cane Sugar and Energy Ltd. in Belagavi district from the proposed Eco-Sensitive Zone. He said the factory was established before 2016 and employs around 500 people, while nearly 5,000 families depend on it.

The Chief Minister also met Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia at his residence in New Delhi.