Protest held opposing Sharavathy Pumped Storage project in Shivamogga

Environment forum Parisarakkagi Navu and Rashtrabhaktara Balaga jointly launched a round-the-clock protest against the Sharavathy Pumped Storage project in Shivamogga on Tuesday.

Former Minister KS Eshwarappa, AT Ramaswamy, Mahima Patel, former legislators, Maruthi Guruji of Bangarammakki Kshetra and environmentalists BM Kumaraswamy and others participated in the dharna near Nehru Stadium.

Addressing the protesters, Mr. Eshwarappa said the project would damage the Western Ghats and affect rare animals. Even after repeated appeals and protests, the State government had refused to respect the sentiments of environmentalists.

“We will not allow the government to implement this controversial project. The Center should not give its consent to the government. Many people who are truly concerned about the environment have joined hands to oppose the project,” he said.

Maruthi Guruji of Bangaramakki Kshetra said that the protest was organized for the benefit of future generations. “We oppose the project as it will cause irreparable damage to the sensitive forest area. Many dams have already been constructed in the Sharavathy Valley. The government should not go for any more construction in the valley,” he said.

He called for the public to join the protest against the project in large numbers and pressured the government to withdraw the project. Former MLA Mahima Patel stated that it is the responsibility of every citizen to preserve nature for future generations.