It is a Death knell for Our Sharavathi.

We, the concerned citizens, are deeply alarmed about the planned removal of approximately 15,000 trees from forest land in the Sharavathi Valley, heart of Jog falls Shivamogga District, Karnataka, as part of the government’s Sharavathy Pumped Storage Project (2000 MW)  by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) 

The Sharavathi Valley is an ecological treasure, home to rich biodiversity, including endangered species such as the Lion-Tailed Macaque, Malabar Civet, and several endemic birds and reptiles. It plays a crucial role in regulating climate, maintaining biodiversity, and supporting local communities.

While we acknowledge the importance of clean energy, this massive deforestation for a pumped storage project is not a sustainable or necessary solution when there are multiple other cleaner, less destructive alternatives available, such as:

Solar power

Wind energy

Small-scale hydroelectric projects with minimal ecological impact

The current plan threatens to cause irreversible environmental harm:

Destruction of critical wildlife habitat, especially for endangered species

Increased soil erosion and degradation of water resources

Permanent alteration of the natural ecosystem and microclimate

We urge the Karnataka Forest Department, the Ministry of Environment, and the Government of Karnataka to:

1. Halt or significantly redesign the project to prevent large-scale tree removal.

2. Explore and invest in sustainable renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.

3. Conduct a thorough and transparent environmental impact assessment, publicly accessible

Our forests are invaluable. The Sharavathi Valley is not just a source of power—it is a home to endangered wildlife and a crucial part of our planet’s ecological health.

Sign this petition to demand the halt of this project and cancel the project completely and also responsible energy planning and protect the Sharavathi Valley’s biodiversity for future generations.