News: Karnataka High Court recently issued notices to the Centre and the State government on a PIL questioning the legality of approvals granted by the State Wildlife Board and the National Board for Wildlife’s Standing Committee for the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project.
About Sharavathi River
- Location: It flows through the districts of Uttara Kannada and Shimoga in Karnataka.
- This river is one of west flowing river in India.
- Origin: It originates from Ambutirtha in the Tirthalli region.
- Course of river: After flowing through Tirthalli region, it finally joins the Arabian sea at Karki in Honavar district of Karnataka.
- During its course, it forms the Jog Falls which is one of India’s highest waterfalls.
- Tributaries: Nandihole, Hilkunjihole, Sharmanavathi, Hilkunjihole, Nagodi hole, Hurlihole, Yennehole, Mavinahole, Gundabalahole, Kalkattehole, and Kandodihole.
- Catchment area: About 3042 sq. km.
- Dams situated on the river
- It plays a major role in Karnataka’s hydropower generation, particularly through the Linganamakki Dam and associated projects.
- Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project (PSP) is a 2,000 MW hydropower project on the Sharavathi river. It aims to utilise renewable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions.
- The project proposes a pumped storage plant between the existing Talakalale and Gerusoppa dams.
- Water will be pumped upward during off-peak hours using grid power and released during peak demand to generate electricity.
