GREEN MINUTE NEWS:
Bengaluru citizens rallied on bikes in large numbers to extend their opposition to the catastrophic Sharavathi PSP (Pumped Storage Project) being implemented in Karnataka. This is a project which has garnered criticism from experts, scientists, primatologists, biodiversity experts and environmentalists as also forest officials as it will further destroy and fragment the Western Ghats.
The 2000 MW Pumped Storage Project is being implemented in Shivamogga and Uttar Kannada districts that will cause irreparable damage to ecology, local communities and hydrology in the Western Ghats.
The Sharavathi PSP will result in the felling of 12000 to 15000 trees and diversion of hundreds of hectares of primary forests in the Sharavathi Valley LTM Sanctuary and its ESZ for the construction works of RS 10.400 crore project.
On Sunday at 8 am, 200 bikers and some 250 people from all sections of the society came together to campaign against the eco-disastrous project in the Western Ghats that has already been fragmented due to hydropower, hydel, linear structures and infrastructural projects.
Under the banner of Green Freedom (Environment), the bike rally and people’s campaign were organized by Dr Praveen Ranka, President, LCB, J P Nagar, Dist 317A.
Speaking to Green Minute, Dr Praveen Ranka said, “The rally started at 8 am this morning from Shalini grounds to Palestra Fitness Ring and I was overwhelmed by the support we received from various organizations and people for the cause of environment. We hope the Sharavathi PSP will be shelved, thereby protecting our Western Ghats and its environment. In the days to come, we will come forward to save our nature and environment from further destruction.”
More than 200 bikers and 250 people rallied around to vocally protest against this catastrophic project in the Sharavathi Valley LTM Sanctuary and its Eco-Sensitive Zone. The bike rally was inaugurated by Lion Dr G Mohan, pmjf, district governor, Dist 317A.
Two biking groups – Bikers of India led by Vishal Agarwal and Iron Riders led by Suraj Gowda participated in large numbers to extend their whole hearted support to save the Sharavathi River and expressed their serious concern about such unsustainable projects in the Western Ghats.
Vishal Agarwal said, “We have come together to save our environment as also the Western Ghats. About 5-6 groups have joined together to express their solidarity for the Save Sharavathi Campaign. Western Ghats is already facing a lot of problems like landslides, floods and so, we have rallied around and do our bit to save Western ghats.”
Vijay Nishanth, urban conservationist and member, Bangalore Biodiversity Board said, “I am overwhelmed by the support given by various groups and organizations to Save Sharavathi from Pumped Storage Project. People should come in large numbers to take part in the Environmental Public Hearing Meeting on September 16th and 18 in Shivamogga and Uttar Kannada districts and also sign the petition and not keep silent. Only if citizens take part and express their concern for such eco-disastrous projects, we will be able to save Sharavathi and our Karnataka state.”
On his part, Suraj Gowda from Iron Riders said they had come in support for saving Sharavathi River in the Western ghats wherein the Pumped Storage Project is being implemented inside the Sharavathi Valley LTM Sanctuary and the ESZ. In order to save our environment and Western Ghats from further destruction, we have come to extend our full support to stop this project.”
The Environmental Public Hearing Meetings is being held on September 16, 11 am in:
KPCL Officers Recreation Club premises,
Kargal post,
Sagar taluk,
Shivamogga district
Karnataka
So, activists and environmentalists who are protesting against the implementation of this project even though only in principal approval has been received from the National Board of Wildlife, have called upon the people to sign the petition on change.org : Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project: Reject the EIA. Save Our Sanctuary.
