As a result of tigers’ deaths in the nature of MM Hills Wildlife Sanctare, the state government was asked to reject designs to divert forests that pave the path for mini hydel projects along the Cauvera River in the MM Hills Wildlife Division and the environmentally sensitive sanctuary.
Giridhar Kulkařni’s nature protection has been reduced by wildlife, because the proposed projects for which forests have been sought, would further shatter habitats in the last four months that have already witnessed an increase in conflict situations.
Mr. Kulkarni wrote a letter to Eshware B. Khandre, the Minister for Forest, Ecology and the Environment, and said these three proposals include the Ranganathaswamy Mini Hydel project by Madyarang Energy PVT. Ltd. and 24.5 MW hydroelectric project from Balaji Cauvera Power Pvt. Ltd. – All are located near Shivanasamudra and Sathegal in Kollegal Taluk.
Mr. Kulkarni quoted the death of five tigers in June 2025 in the Hoogyam series MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and other deaths of Tigers 3. October, all of whom were allegedly poisoned, and said these incidents could be attributed to shrinking stations and disturbances of predators dynamics.
He warned that the proposed project involving felling of trees, blasting, tunneling and building near the river would prevent the movement of wild animals and escalated the conflict in neighboring villages.
Kulkarni, underlining the ecological importance of the landscape of Kausery-MM hills, said that the river belt of Kaula and neighboring forests forms a vital elephant habitat, which is recognized by Karnataka Elephant Task Force, 2012.
Mr. Kulkarni said that the importance of nature MM Hills-Cauvery wildlife (CWS) as a zone of connection connecting CWS, MM Hills and Brt Tiger Reserve is well documented.
He pointed out that the former expert committee, which suggested that one of these projects could be allowed with “minimal intervention and warranty” was misleading and is no longer relevant. This was because tigers’ mortality has been drastically increased in recent years, and human-slon conflicts across Chamarajanagar and Kollegal have intensified.
Mr. Kulkarni said that these projects, if approved, would fragment the key stations of tigers and elephants and worsen the conflict of man and fairy. The petition, said, emphasizes the serious environmental consequences of these projects and added that subsequent fragmentation of habitats could lead to other tragic incidents.
Published – 5th October 2025 17:58
