Karnataka High Court Orders Halt to Activities in Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Sanctuary

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The Karnataka High Court has ordered the state government to suspend all ground-level operations within the Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Sanctuary and its Eco-Sensitive Zone. This interim order was issued while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the Karnataka State Wildlife Board’s approval of the proposed Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project and the construction of the Kalkatte Bridge. The court noted that the matter involves significant environmental concerns that warrant careful judicial scrutiny.

Interim Protection Directive

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C M Poonacha issued the interim directive, instructing that no physical activities related to the project take place within the sanctuary or its surrounding eco-sensitive zone until further notice. The next hearing has been scheduled for June 10.

PIL Challenging the Project

The PIL was filed by wildlife conservationist Akhilesh Chipli, human rights activist Dr. Ravindranath Shanbhogue, and environmentalist Manohar Kumar C B. The petitioners opposed the Karnataka State Wildlife Board’s decision of January 28, 2025, which cleared the proposed 2,000 MW Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project within the sanctuary. The petition claims that such developments could severely damage the fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats.

Arguments Before the Court

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General K Arvind Kamat highlighted that the central government has expressed serious concerns over the project and statutory approvals are still pending. The state government’s Advocate General argued that the matter is under review by the National Board for Wildlife, suggesting that the petition may be premature. Counsel for Karnataka Power Corporation Limited added that some non-forest-related activities might still be allowed.

Environmental Concerns

The petitioners contended that the proposed storage project and bridge construction could endanger the region’s biodiversity, including several rare and endangered species, potentially violating the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Recognizing the environmental risks, the court decided to temporarily halt all on-ground activities until the legal and ecological issues are fully examined.

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