A proposal to build a mini-hydel project across the Kumaradhara river in Kodagu district has emerged at a time when conservation of the Western Ghats should be a political priority.
The subject proposal is related to mini hydel sri fiftamuljuna project across kodagu project fulfilling diversion of 2.8 hectare forest land in somwarpet taluk village kumarahali village.
This has been proposed by M/s Poorna Pragna Infrastructure of Hassan District and is awaiting review and recommendation with the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Madikeri Division.
However, conservationists have expressed concern about highlighting the ecological problems and degradation of the Western Ghats ecosystem under the guise of mini and micro hydel systems.
Conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni approached the Forest Department to deny permission for the project on the grounds that the site was close to the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary – an important elephant sanctuary and home to several species listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Conservation Act, 1972.
Mr. Kulkarni said the project area reportedly falls within the sanctuary’s ecologically sensitive zone (ESZ) notified in June 2017 and is barely 2.5 km from its boundary.
“The region is already facing severe habitat fragmentation due to many infrastructure projects, unregulated tourism and mini-hydel projects and the new proposal, if approved, will further increase anthropogenic pressure and negatively impact the elephant corridor,” said Mr. Kulkarni. While this will threaten the survival of key species, it will also exacerbate human-elephant conflict in the region, he warned.
Mr. Kulkarni emphasized the importance of conserving the project area and said failure to do so would also lead to degradation of the river ecosystem. The authorities were also alerted to the recurring cases of landslides in the region due to habitat degradation and measures were sought to stop further deterioration of the ecosystem.
The statement made to the Forest Department on 28 October 2025 also sought to remind the authorities of the State Government’s affidavit filed in the Karnataka High Court in Writ Petition No. 9333/2009 in which it had undertaken not to allow new mini hydel projects in the Western Ghats.
“The Supreme Court accepted this commitment, leading to the cancellation of several proposed schemes. Any fresh approval, Kulkarni argued, would be against this commitment and violate the state’s declared conservation policy,” Mr. Kulkarni said.
Published – 01 Nov 2025 20:18 IST
