CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
In April 2025, the Sillahalla Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project (SPSHEP) a proposed large-scale energy initiative in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu came under intensified public scrutiny. Protests led by local farmers, indigenous communities, and environmental activists have gained momentum, highlighting deep concerns over the project’s environmental and socio-economic impacts.
About Sillahalla Pumped Storage Project
The SPSHEP is a key initiative of the Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGECL) aimed at enhancing the state's energy infrastructure. It is designed to provide 1,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity during peak demand periods and is also expected to help balance the intermittent supply of renewable energy, such as solar and wind power.
Location - The project is situated in the Kundah region of Nilgiris, bordering Mukurthi National Park and the Silent Valley, both ecologically sensitive zones.
Key Features Of Project
Two Dams - Construction of upper and lower reservoirs to enable pumped storage operations.
Underground Infrastructure - Includes a subterranean powerhouse to house turbines and associated equipment.
Tunnel Systems: Head race tunnel - Approximately 2.8 kilometers in length, Tail race tunnel: Around 1.56 kilometers long
Storage and Surge Facilities - Surface-level storage tanks and surge shafts for operational balance.
Generation Capacity - 1,000 MW output aimed at stabilizing the state grid during peak hours.
Rising Environmental And Social Concerns
Despite its energy objectives, the project has triggered widespread opposition due to potential environmental degradation and displacement of local communities:
Environmental Impact
The proposed construction could lead to the submergence of nearly 500 acres of forest land, threatening local biodiversity and affecting nearby protected ecosystems.
Ecologists fear long-term ecological imbalance, given the project’s proximity to national parks and the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Agricultural & Livelihood Impact:
Over 1,000 acres of farmland may be submerged, directly impacting the livelihoods of more than 3,000 farmers.
Many of these farmers rely entirely on agriculture and are worried about losing ancestral lands with inadequate compensation.
Land Ownership And Compensation Issues
A critical issue raised during the protests relates to joint pattas (shared land titles). A significant portion of the affected land is owned jointly by multiple families, which complicates compensation claims. Farmers are demanding clarity and fairness in the land acquisition and compensation process, especially as some previous land contributors to road development projects in the Nilgiris have yet to receive any payments.
Public And Civil Society Response
Community resistance has taken the form of:
Mass protests and demonstrations in Pungro Town and nearby villages
Petitions submitted to the Tamil Nadu government and environmental oversight bodies
Calls for an independent environmental impact assessment (EIA) and public hearings to ensure transparency
Support from tribal councils, NGOs, and ecologists, urging the state to explore alternative energy solutions with minimal ecological footprint
Conclusion
While the Sillahalla project is framed as a strategic solution to Tamil Nadu’s increasing energy needs, especially with the rise of renewables, the concerns of local communities and environmental risks cannot be overlooked. As public resistance grows, stakeholders are calling on the government to reevaluate the project’s scope, ensure fair rehabilitation measures, and prioritize environmental sustainability and social justice in the planning process.
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