NEWS – Recent research has indicated that Sharavathy pumped storage project is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including several endangered species

HIGHLIGHTS

The Sharavathy pumped storage project, proposed by the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), is a 2,000-MW project on 133.8 acres in the Sharavathy Lion Tailed Macaque (LTM) sanctuary.

Biodiversity Assessment Report

• Survey Duration: The survey, conducted over three months in 2019, aimed to assess the biodiversity impact of the project across different seasons.
• Species Documented:
  • Flora: 362 species of flora, with numbers increasing from 230 in winter to 342 during the monsoon.
  • Endangered Species: Includes Dhooma, Karidhoopa, critically endangered Syzigium travancorium, and the rare Sattavari.
• Limitations: Short-term research often misses some species, and the long-term impact remains uncertain.

Fauna in the Project Area

• Mammals
  • Total Species: 51 species identified.
  • Key Mammals:
    • Schedule-I Species: Lion Tailed Macaque (LTM), tiger, leopard, fishing cat.
    • Vulnerable Species: Six species, including striped hyena.
    • Endangered Species: Two species.
  • Reptiles
    • Total Species: 25 species.
    • Notable Species: Indian monitor lizard, python, montane keelback.
    • Vulnerable Reptiles: Indian Chameleon and common Indian monitor lizard.
  • Amphibians
    • Total Species: 23 species, many endemic to the Western Ghats.
    • Endangered Amphibians: Nyctibatrachus aliciae.
    • Near Threatened Amphibians: Rana temporalis (tree frog).
  • Birds
    • Total Species: Over 130 species of birds documented.
    • Key Species:
      • Vulnerable Birds: Tawny eagle, Great pied hornbill.
      • Near Threatened Birds: Malabar pied hornbill, Indian griffon vulture.
    • Butterflies: 55 species, with 23 classified as rare.

Conservation Concerns

• Incompleteness of Study: Experts suggest that the full biodiversity of the area is not yet documented, and more species might be discovered in future surveys.
• Project Impact: The long-term environmental impact remains largely unknown, which is a concern for conservationists.
• Forest Department Involvement: The forest department, led by divisional officers, will conduct site inspections and review KPCL’s submissions before any further decisions.