Protest march in Shivamogga opposing Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project

The people of Shivamogga staged a protest march in opposition to the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project. The protesters gathered under the banners of Parisarakkagi Navu, an environmental forum, and Rashtrabhaktara Balaga of Shivamogga. They marched from Sheenappa Shetti Circle to the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

The protesters raised slogans against the controversial project that intends to generate 2,000 MW of power. Former MLA A.T. Ramaswamy, former minister K.S. Eshwarappa, Maruthi Guruji of Bangaramakki Kshetra, environmentalist B.M. Kumaraswamy, and others participated in the protest.

Eshwarappa, addressing the protesters, stated that the Central Government should not allow the project at any cost, as it would damage the ecologically sensitive area of the Western Ghats. “The scheme has been designed solely to loot money. We will ensure that the project is stalled with the help of the public,” he said.

Mr. Kumaraswamy said that the location where the project had been proposed was part of the Western Ghats and home to rare animals. The project would involve blasting and cutting down hundreds of trees. Such activities would disturb the wildlife. “There is no need for the power project at the cost of forests when there are alternatives to meet energy demands,” he said.