Description

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Context

Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project in Karnataka aims to boost renewable energy but is facing backlash from environmentalists due to potential threats to the biodiversity-rich Sharavathi Valley home to endangered Lion tailed Macaque & Great Indian Hornbill.

Key Highlights

Project Overview:

Capacity: 2,000 MW hydroelectric project. ₹8,000 crore project by the Karnataka government.

Infrastructure: Upper reservoir (Talakalale) & lower reservoir (Gerusoppa) along with five tunnels & eight pumping stations.

Water will be pumped uphill during off-peak hours using grid power & released downhill during peak demand to generate electricity.

Modeled after Telangana Kaleshwaram project aimed at addressing energy needs & supplying drinking water to Bengaluru.

Environmental Concerns:

360 acres of pristine forest land within Sharavathi Valley Lion-tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary will be affected.

The region is a biodiversity hotspot home to endangered Lion-tailed Macaque & Great Indian Hornbill along with several other endemic & vulnerable species.

The project threatens vital corridors linking Gerusoppa-Kyadagiri & Govardhanagiri-Jog State Forests.

Loss of tropical forest cover which serves as an effective carbon sink could accelerate climate change effects.

Karnataka forest & tree cover is only 20% well below the 33% target set by National Forest Policy.

Sharavathi River

Sharavathi River originates from Western Ghats in Karnataka near Ambuthirtha in Thirthahalli taluk of Shivamogga district. Approximately 128 km long.

The river flows westward & drains into Arabian Sea near Honnavar in Uttara Kannada district.

Key tributaries include Nandiholé, Hilkunjiholé, Yenneholé & Haridravati.

The river is home to the Linganamakki Dam major hydroelectric project in Karnataka generating significant portion of state power.

Sharavathi Valley is part of Western Ghats one of world eight hottest hotspots of biodiversity.

Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare & endangered species like Lion-tailed Macaque, Great Indian Hornbill, Malabar Civet & various amphibians.

Sharavathi Hydroelectric Project: One of Karnataka largest hydropower projects producing around 1,469 MW of electricity.

The river is considered sacred with temples along its course including those dedicated to Lord Shiva & Goddess Durga.

Jog Falls: One of India tallest waterfalls (830 ft) located on Sharavathi River is a major tourist attraction.

Tributaries of Sharavathi River

Tributary Name	Origin	Type	Key Features
Nandiholé	Western Ghats, Karnataka	Right-bank tributary	Seasonal stream, contributes to monsoon flow
Hilkunji	Western Ghats, Karnataka	Right-bank tributary	Supports local biodiversity
Mavinaholé	Western Ghats, Karnataka	Right-bank tributary	Important for forest ecosystems
Hurlihole	Western Ghats, Karnataka	Left-bank tributary	Enhances water flow during monsoons
Haridravati	Near Sagara, Karnataka	Left-bank tributary	Major perennial tributary, supports agriculture

Major Dams on Sharavathi River

Dam Name	Location	Purpose	Capacity	Key Features
Linganamakki Dam	Sagara, Shivamogga District	Hydroelectric Power & Water Storage	152 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet)	Main dam of the Sharavathi Hydroelectric Project
Talakalale Dam	Near Linganamakki, Karnataka	Balancing Reservoir	129.6 MCM (Million Cubic Meters)	Regulates water for Jog Falls
Gerusoppa Dam	Honnavar, Uttara Kannada District	Hydroelectric Power	240 MW	Downstream of Jog Falls, built by KPCL

Sources:

THE WIRE

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements regarding Sharavathi River:

It originates in Eastern Ghats & flows westward into the Arabian Sea.
The Linganamakki Dam is constructed on this river for hydroelectric power generation.
The Sharavathi Valley is home to endangered species like Lion-tailed Macaque.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (B) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Sharavathi River originates in the Western Ghats, not the Eastern Ghats, and flows westward into the Arabian Sea.

Statement 2 is correct: Linganamakki Dam key hydroelectric power project is built on Sharavathi River.

Statement 3 is correct: Sharavathi Valley is biodiversity hotspot home to endangered species like Lion-tailed Macaque & Great Indian Hornbill.