Karwar: Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) has reassured the public that the proposed 2000 MW Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project (PSP) in the Sharavathi valley will be executed with minimal environmental damage and will not adversely affect local communities or natural resources.

Speaking at a press conference in Gerusoppa on Saturday, KPCL officials explained that the project, cleared by 13 different central government departments and directorates after extensive review, is vital to meeting the state’s growing power demands.

The project will utilize existing dams at Gerusoppa and Talakalale, eliminating the need for new dam construction. Tunnels built underground will channel and pump water, preventing harm to surface vegetation. Roads will be marginally widened to facilitate transportation of materials, while only a small patch of forest land will be used for tunnel access. Officials assured that afforestation would follow in affected areas.

Special measures will also protect the endangered Lion-tailed Macaque, with overhead canopy pathways being created, similar to those used during national highway construction. The project requires minimal water—just 0.37 TMC once in 50–60 years—ensuring no disruption to current agricultural, drinking, or fishing needs.

Rejecting fears of landslides, KPCL clarified that the Geological Survey of India had confirmed stability in the region before granting approval. The project is expected to generate reliable energy during peak demand by functioning like a “water battery,” storing surplus renewable power from solar and wind sources during the day and releasing it at night.

Only 100.645 hectares of land, including 54.155 hectares of forest area, will be used. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports have been made available at district offices and panchayat centres, as well as online via the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board’s website, for public consultation.

“This project is essential for energy security and grid stability in Karnataka, and citizens need not be worried,” said KPCL’s Chief Engineers and senior officials, who briefed the media.

Among those present were Ramesh (Chief Engineer – Administration & Management), Madesh (Chief Engineer – Civil), Ashok Nayak (Superintendent Engineer – Electrical), Girish S.M. (Civil Engineer, Gerusoppa), and Umapathi K.R. (Executive Engineer – Investigation, Kargal).