The CEC member met forest officials over the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project, a memorandum against the proposed project

A delegation of Shivamogga residents, led by former minister KS Eshwarappa, presents a memorandum against the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project to CEC member Sunil Limaye at Shivamogga on Tuesday. | Photo credit: SK Dinesh

Sunil Limaye, a member of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), set up by the Supreme Court, on Tuesday held a meeting with the forest department officials regarding the highly criticized Sharavathi gas station project.

Mr. Limaye met Chief Conservator of Forests KT Hanumanthappa at Shivamogga to gather details of the ₹10,240 crore project proposed by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) to generate 2,000 MW of power.

The project faces stiff opposition from many environmentalists and residents of Shivamogga and Uttara Kannada districts. Opponents say the project will seriously damage the pristine ecosystem of the Western Ghats. Furthermore, since the proposed site falls within the Sharavathi Lion-Tailed Macaque Sanctuary, critics warn that it poses a direct threat to endangered primate species. In light of these widespread objections, the Karnataka High Court has already stopped all work on the project.

Public appeal

A delegation of Shivamogga residents led by former minister KS Eshwarappa also met the CEC member on Tuesday to submit a memorandum against the project. Mr. Eshwarappa urged the CEC to submit a report to the apex court recommending against the implementation of the power project.

Eom/photo available

Published – 02 Jun 2026 20:57 IST