Ex-minister K S Eshwarappa to join protest in Shivamogga on Feb 12 to oppose Sharavati Pumped Storage project

Describing the Sharavati Pumped Storage Project (PSP) as a money-grabbing scheme, former minister KS Eshwarappa stated that Rashtrabhaktara Balaga will explore legal avenues to ensure that the project is not implemented under its leadership.

Addressing a press conference in Shivamogga on February 10, Mr Eshwarappa said the project would harm the biodiversity hotspot in the Western Ghats as the exercise involved blasting activities using large quantities of explosives. The Karnataka government did not respond to objections from experts and environmentalists regarding the project. He stated that wild animals and birds will be seriously affected by the electricity project.”

The former minister said Rashtrabhaktara Balaga, the forum he started after being expelled from the BJP, has joined those opposing the project. The forum will actively participate in the protest march organized by environmental organization Parisarakkagi Naavu in Shivamogga on February 12.

He stated that he would meet Union Ministers HD Kumaraswamy and Pralhad Joshi and try to put pressure on the Central Government not to allow the project. “If necessary, after consulting experts on the subject, we will also apply to the court to oppose the project,” he said.

Environmentalist Prof. BM Kumaraswamy said that environmentalists from different parts of Karnataka will also participate in the protest march that will start at Sheenappa Shetty Circle (Gopi Circle). Participants marched towards the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

“Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) has proposed the project in the heart of the Lion-Tailed Macaque Sanctuary in violation of the Wildlife Act, 1972. It has been determined that more than 16,000 trees will be felled for the project. We must oppose the project and ensure that it is not implemented,” he said.

LK Sripathi, retired professor of an engineering college, stated that the project will affect aquatic life by affecting forests and water flow. “Why should KPCL continue with this polluting project when there are better and alternative technologies to meet the energy needs?”

It was published – 10 February 2026 13:31 IST