Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric project

Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric project

News – 

• The Karnataka High Court has issued notices to both the State and Central governments following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenges the wildlife boards’ approval for the ₹10,000 crore Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric project. 
• The court has also directed the State government and Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd. (KPCL) to halt all on-ground work within the forest areas of the Sharavathi Valley Lion Macaque Sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone until further orders

Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project

• • Location – It is a pumped storage power project on the Sharavathi River in Karnataka.

• Total power generation capacity – 2000 MW

• Uniqueness – It stands as the largest pumped storage power generation unit in the country.

It will be built between two existing reservoirs. 

• • The Talakalale dam, which stands at 62.48 meters tall, will be the upper reservoir.
  • This dam currently helps balance water for the existing Sharavathy hydroelectric project.
  • The Gerusoppa dam will be the lower reservoir, and it is about 64 meters tall. 
  • Water will be pumped uphill during the off-season using grid power and released downhill during peak demand to generate electricity. 

• Modelled on the lines of Telangana’s Kaleshwaram project, it also aims to supply drinking water to Bengaluru. 

• Concerns – This project will destroy the ancient monuments of the 16th century that are the legacy of Rani Chennabhairadevi.

Rani Chennabhairadevi

• She ruled from 1552 to 1606 from her capital Gerusoppa.
• She is the longest reigning queen in Indian history. 
• She also fought the Portuguese who gave her the title ‘Rainha de Pimenta’ that translates into ‘The Queen of Pepper’ as her kingdom 
• She was known for exporting spices to European and Arab countries.

Additional Information – Sharavathi River

• • It is a west flowing river of Karnataka state. 
  • A large part of the river basin lies in the Western Ghats.
  • Course – Rising in the Western Ghats, it flows in a northwesterly direction to the Arabian Sea at Honavar in Uttara Kannada District. 
  • Length – The length of the river is 128 km, and the river basin covers 2,985 sq km.
  • Waterfalls – On its way, the Sharavathi forms the Jog Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in India, where the river falls from a height of 253 m. 
• Major Tributaries: Nandihole, Haridravathi, Mavinahole, Hilkunji, Yennehole, Hurlihole, and Nagodihole.