"Centre Halts Sharavathy Hydroelectric Project to Protect Western Ghats Biodiversity"

The Centre has halted the 2,000-MW hydroelectric project in Karnatakas Western Ghats to safeguard the unique biodiversity, including vulnerable species like the Macaque, and to protect critical ecosystems.

• The proposal involved the diversion of around 54 hectares of forest land within the Sharavathy Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Sanctuary, a region crucial for preserving biodiversity.
• Concerns about the project included the potential felling of over 15,000 trees, posing risks to the fragile ecology and endemic species in the Western Ghats, a recognized biodiversity hotspot.
• Experts warned that the hydroelectric project could lead to increased landslide risks and breaches of forest laws, threatening the delicate evergreen canopy that supports various vulnerable species.