The project is one big eco-disaster in the making effects of which, if implemented, would mean permanent damage to fragile ecosystems. At the same time, it seems like a lavish splurge on a grandiose scheme when better results have been proven with a more grassroots approach. 

              The project is ill-advised on the following considerations:

• The area directly impacted lies in the core are of the Western ghats a bio-diversity hotspot.
• Civil works in midst of dense primary forest would mean opening up new avenues for the timber mafia to remove priceless high-canopy trees and driving canopy dwelling creatures such as the flying squirrel towards and hornbills towards peril.
• The canal and earthen works will lead to eventual siltation of numerous streams and rivulets leading to local extinction of threatened species such as otters and mahaseer which rely on the water being clear. Also in the queue towards extinction would be countless amphibians and reptiles which would have been barely studied.
• The project would disturb vital elephant corridors leading to increased man-animal conflict.
• The movement of man and material will bypass wildlife vital corridors for movement of tigers and other keystone species thus exterminating them locally.
• The projects aims to recharge tanks and lakes in parched districts many of which would be non-existent now on account of encroachments. Also the plan of drawing water from 300 kms to rejuvenate a polluted rivulet seems a overkill when better results have been proven in Rajasthan, which receives far less rain, by means rain-water harvesting.
• Using up huge amount of electricity to pump water seems ill-advised in a power-deficit state.

The following link provides a detailed study of the scheme and its inherent issues - http://sandrp.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/yettinahole-diversion-an-imprudent-rs-100-billion-proposition .

     We would like to appeal to the Chief Minister of Karnataka to set aside all regional and political considerations aside and stop this ill-advised project, ramifications of which would haunt us for centuries.