Saundatti Power Project to Fell 60,000+ Trees
Belagavi, June 18, 2025 — The Saundatti Pumped Storage Power Project (PSP) in Belagavi has moved a step forward, receiving Stage 1 environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). However, this progress comes with growing environmental concerns. Authorities now plan to cut more than 64,000 trees—an alarming rise from the initial estimate of just over 5,000.
For more details : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/60k-trees-to-go-as-saundatti-power-project-gets-green-nod-3588912
Tree Felling Surges from 5,087 to 64,000+
Initially proposed in 2018 by Greenko Group, the project required the removal of 5,087 trees. Today, revised surveys estimate that 64,454 trees will be felled. Most of these stand on 395 acres of forest land, which will soon be submerged under the upper reservoir near the Renukasagar backwaters.
While the forest land area hasn’t increased, the company has added over 250 acres of private land to the project. This addition raises serious questions about its expanded environmental footprint.
Capacity Boost Brings New Risks
Originally planned to produce 1,200 MW, the project has now been scaled up to 1,600 MW. As a result, Greenko abandoned its earlier design for an underground powerhouse and will now build a surface powerhouse instead. This change could lead to higher noise levels and greater disruption to the region’s ecosystem.
Wildlife Faces Increased Threat
The project site hosts more than 23 mammal species, including:
- Indian fox
- Asiatic jackal
- Jungle cat
- Blackbuck
- Spotted deer
In 2018, forest officials claimed the area was not a habitat for the Indian Grey Wolf. However, the expanded project area has raised new concerns among wildlife experts. Many believe that mitigation efforts should include dryland sanctuaries or compensatory reforestation. Unfortunately, Greenko’s current plan lacks such measures.
What’s Ahead?
Gokak Deputy Conservator of Forests, Shivanand Naikwadi, confirmed that Greenko submitted a wildlife mitigation draft. Officials will soon review the plan in a special meeting. The project still needs final approval, which could come with stricter conditions.
Meanwhile, environmentalists argue that the existing plan falls short. They urge decision-makers to avoid clearing forests for hydropower, especially in biodiversity-rich zones.
Final Thoughts
Although the project has passed an important regulatory hurdle, it still faces strong criticism. With more than 60,000 trees at risk and several wildlife species potentially affected, experts are calling for a more sustainable and transparent development approach.
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