Ecological Significance of the Western Ghats (WG)

• The WG are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity globally.

• They play a vital role in climate regulation, monsoon patterns, and carbon sequestration.

• WG forests are crucial for rainfall regulation, water storage, and groundwater recharge, especially supporting rivers like Cauvery, Yettinahole, and Sharavathi.

Biodiversity Richness of Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

• The sanctuary hosts:

  • 38 mammal species, including endangered tigers and dholes.

  • 164 bird species, 43 reptiles, 26 amphibians, 17 fish, and 77 butterfly species.

• Critically endangered species include Lion-Tailed Macaques (LTM), with ~700 individuals (~28% of the global population) residing here.

• In 2019, the sanctuary was renamed Sharavathi Valley LTM Wildlife Sanctuary to underscore its role in LTM conservation.

Threats from Infrastructure Projects

• The Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project threatens to clear 279 acres of forest, blast 14 km of tunnels, and fell 15,000+ trees.

• Use of hazardous chemicals, noise, vibrations, and a 5-year worker presence pose grave ecological and reproductive risks to LTMs and other species.

• Located in landslide-prone zones, deforestation increases the risk of natural disasters.

Legal and Governance Concerns

• The project violates the Wildlife Protection Act (1972):

  • Section 29: Prohibits destruction within sanctuaries.

  • Section 33: Requires prioritizing conservation.

• Approval by SBWL and NBWL raises concerns of governance failure.

Conclusion

• The Western Ghats are not just scenic retreats but are critical for biodiversity, water security, and climate resilience.

• Projects compromising sanctuaries like Sharavathi set a dangerous precedent and threaten long-term ecological and economic stability.

• Conservation must take precedence over energy ambitions to ensure sustainable development and intergenerational equity.