কর্ণাটকের কোডাগু জেলার পুষ্পগিরির কাছে মিনি-হাইডেল প্রস্তাব। পশ্চিমঘাটের সংরক্ষণ নিয়ে উদ্বেগ প্রকাশ করে
A proposal to construct a small hydroelectric project across the Kumaradhara River in Kodagu district has surfaced at a time when the conservation of the Western Ghats should be a political priority. The proposal in question is the Sri Shantimalikarjuna Mini-Hydel project across the Kumaradhara in Kodagu, which seeks to convert 2.8 hectares of forest in Kumarhalli village of Somwarpet taluk. It has been proposed by M/s Poorna Infrastructure for Pragna in Hassan district and is under consideration with the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Madikeri Division, for examination and recommendation. However, conservationists have raised concerns that environmental issues and ecosystem degradation in the Western Ghats are being overlooked under the guise of small and mini-hydel systems.
Wildlife conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni has appealed to the forest department to reject permission for the project, arguing that the site is close to the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary – a crucial area. It is an elephant habitat and home to several species listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Kulkarni said that the project area falls within the eco-sensitive zone of the reserve, notified in June 2017, and is located about 2.5 km away from its boundary. “This region has already faced severe habitat fragmentation due to multiple infrastructure projects, unregulated tourism, and small hydro projects, and if the new proposal is approved, it will increase anthropogenic pressure and negatively impact the elephant corridor,” Mr. Kulkarni said.
He warned that it would threaten the existence of flagship species, further escalating human-elephant conflict in the area. Emphasizing the importance of conserving the project area, Mr. Kulkarni said that failure to do so would cause degradation of the riverine ecosystem. Authorities’ attention has also been drawn to frequent incidents of landslides in the area due to habitat destruction, and measures are being taken to stop further degradation of the ecosystem.
The representation submitted to the forest department on October 28, 2025, also sought to remind the state authority of an affidavit filed by the state government before the Karnataka High Court in Writ Petition No. 9333/2009, wherein it had undertaken not to permit new small hydro projects in the Western Ghats. “The Supreme Court has accepted this undertaking, resulting in the rejection of several proposed schemes. Any new clearance would violate this commitment and contravene the stated conservation policy of the state,” Mr. Kulkarni said.
Published – November 01, 2025 08:18 PM IST
প্রকাশিত: 2025-11-01 20:48:00
উৎস: www.thehindu.com
