Ex-minister K S Eshwarappa to join protest in Shivamogga on Feb 12 to oppose Sharavati Pumped Storage project

Terming the Sharavati Pumped Storage Project (PSP) a scheme to loot money, former minister K.S. Eshwarappa stated that Rashtrabhaktara Balaga, under his leadership, would explore legal avenues to ensure that the project is not implemented.

Addressing a press conference in Shivamogga on February 10, Mr. Eshwarappa stated that the project would harm the biodiversity hotspot of the Western Ghats, as its implementation includes blast activities using huge amounts of explosives. The government of Karnataka had not responded to the objections raised by experts and environmentalists regarding the project. He stated that wild animals and birds would be severely impacted by the power project.”

The former minister said that Rashtrabhaktara Balaga, the forum he launched after being expelled from the BJP, had joined those opposing the project. The forum would actively participate in the protest march convened by Parisarakkagi Naavu, an environmental organisation, on February 12 in Shivamogga.

He stated that he would try to put pressure on the Central Government not to grant clearance for the project by meeting Union Ministers H.D. Kumaraswamy and Pralhad Joshi. “If necessary, we will also move court to oppose the project after consulting with experts on the issue,” he said.

Prof. B.M. Kumaraswamy, an environmentalist, said that environmentalists from different parts of Karnataka would take part in the protest march that would begin at Sheenappa Shetty Circle (Gopi Circle). The participants would march to the office of the Deputy Commissioner.

“The Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) has proposed the project at the core of the Lion-Tailed Macaque Sanctuary, violating the Wildlife Act of 1972. More than 16,000 trees have been identified for felling for the project. We must oppose the project and ensure that it is not implemented,” he said.

L.K. Sripathi, a retired professor of an engineering college, stated that the project would impact forests and the flow of water, affecting aquatic life. “When there are better and alternative technologies to meet energy requirements, why should KPCL pursue this project, which pollutes the environment?”

Published – February 10, 2026 01:31 pm IST