The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has granted in-principle approval for the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited’s (KPCL) proposed 2,000 MW pumped storage project in the Sharavathi Valley Lion Tailed Macaque Sanctuary, despite ecological concerns. The project will use the existing Talakalale and Gerusoppa dams as upper and lower reservoirs, respectively.

The scheme requires 352.77 acres, including 133.81 acres of forest land. It has drawn criticism over the proposed felling of 15,000 trees, although NBWL noted that around 12,000 could be saved if KPCL adopts an underground road alignment. Noise control measures were also advised during construction.

At its 84th meeting, the NBWL Standing Committee acknowledged that the sanctuary hosts around 700 Lion Tailed Macaques — the highest population of this endangered arboreal species in any protected area. Two committee members, H.S. Singh and R. Sukumar, voiced concerns over the lack of clarity on ecological loss, inadequate cost-benefit justification, and missing details such as infrastructure for power evacuation.

The then Chief Wildlife Warden of Karnataka, Subhash Malkhede, argued that the power house would be underground and described the project as environmentally sound. He explained that solar-generated power would pump water to the upper reservoir during the day, and electricity would be generated in the evening by releasing it to the lower reservoir.

The NBWL listed 28 conditions for project execution and deferred judgement on several unresolved matters, including the call for a site inspection, to the Forest Advisory Committee — the competent authority on forest land use.