A proposal has surfaced for the construction of a mini-hydel project across the Kumaradhara river in Kodagu district at a time when the conservation of Western Ghats should be a policy priority.
The proposal in question is for the Sri Shantamallikarjuna Mini Hydel Project across the Kumaradhara in Kodagu, which seeks the diversion of 2.8 hectares of forestland in Kumarahalli village of Somwarpet taluk.
This has been proposed by M/s Poorna Pragna Infrastructure of Hassan district and is pending before the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Madikeri Division, for examination and recommendation.
However, conservationists have expressed concern drawing attention to ecological issues and the degradation of the Western Ghat ecosystem under the guise of mini and micro hydel systems.
Wildlife conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni has appealed to the Forest Department to deny permission for the project on grounds that the site was close to the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary — an important elephant habitat and home to several species listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
