Wildlife Board Expert Panel Recommends Against Proposed Sharavathi Hydropower Project Inside Sanctuary: Centre Informs Karnataka High Court

The Central government told the Karnataka High Court on Friday [July 10] that a 3-member expert committee constituted by National Wildlife Board & Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, has recommended against implementation of the proposed Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project (PSP) inside the Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary. 

For context, in March, the High Court had expressed preliminary concerns about possible habitat destruction inside the Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary due to the proposed hydropower project. The project is to be implemented by the state run Karnataka Power Corporation Limited. 

The court had while staying the project, observed that Sharavathi is a preserved habitat for lion-tailed macaques, and the question of whether the proposed project would result in the destruction of their habitat requires impact assessment. The court had also mentioned that no preliminary activities would be allowed inside the wildlife sanctuary pending the Wildlife Board's approval. 

During the hearing today Additional Solicitor General Arvind Kamath appearing for the Centre made his submission before the Division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice K.S Hemalekha regarding that the committee's recommendation against the proposed project. 

Meanwhile counsel for Karnataka Power Corporation, said that final decision from the National Wildlife Board is still awaited about the continuation of the project.

“…ASG handed over a memo along with a report of the committee constituted by the National Wildlife Board & Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change [MoEFCC]. The said committee has recommended against the project in question…. counsel submits no steps can be taken to implement the project within the limits of the sanctuary without the consultation of National Wildlife Board. The learned counsel for Karnataka Power Corporation submits that as of yet, the National Wildlife Board has not furnished a final opinion. Interim order stands…. List after two months”, the court noted in the order.

For context, the PIL was filed by Akhilesh Chipli and others, challenging the proposed Sharavathi PSP and Kalkatte Bridge Construction inside the Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a preserved habitat for the endangered lion-tailed macaques.

At the outset, ASG Kamath informed the court that a 3-member committee–comprising of two members from the Wildlife Board and a nominee from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)–had submitted a detailed report examining the project's environmental impact.

“We have handed over a copy to the State Government and asked them to find alternatives. This does not seem to be viable….”, ASG said.

The counsel for the Karnataka Power Corporation sought time to file reply, submitting that the report was brought to his knowledge only this morning, and the matter was under consideration by the National Wildlife Board.

The counsel for the petitioners submitted that Section 29 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 does not proscribe granting such permission for any activity unless the State Government, in consultation with the National Board for Wild Life, is satisfied that such removal or change is necessary 'for the improvement and better management of wildlife'.

“…The [expert] committee also finds that Environmental Impact Assessment [carried out by the State] is factually incorrect”, the petitioners submitted.

The bench orally noted that since the committee's report has termed the project as not viable, and consequently, no steps could be taken to implement the project within the limits of the sanctuary without approval from the National Wildlife Board.

The ASG also submitted that the Union Ministry of Environment has asked the State to consider alternate projects outside the proposed area.

The matter is next listed on October 1.

Case Title: Akhilesh Chipli vs Union of India

Case No: WP 6090/2026