Fri Sep 12 15:53:18 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the text provided:

**Summary:**

Karnataka’s Minister for Energy, K.J. George, announced that the Central Wildlife Board has approved the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project. The project aims to generate 2,000 MW of power by transferring water between the Gerusoppa and Talakalale reservoirs. The minister emphasized that the project will have minimal ecological impact and that compensation will be provided to those who lose land. He also highlighted two schemes to support farmers: KUSUM-B, which provides solar power to borewells, and KUSUM-C, a private initiative to generate 2,500 MW of solar power.
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**News Article:**

**Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project Gets Green Light, Karnataka Minister Assures Minimal Impact**

**Chikkamagaluru, September 12, 2025** – The controversial Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project has received approval from the Central Wildlife Board, Karnataka’s Minister for Energy K.J. George announced at a press conference in Chikkamagaluru today. The project, which aims to generate 2,000 MW of power, has faced opposition from local residents concerned about its potential environmental impact.

Minister George sought to allay those fears, stating that the government is committed to minimizing ecological damage and ensuring fair compensation for those affected. “The local people need not have any apprehensions about the project,” George said. “The damage to ecology will be minimal. We will convince the local public about these issues before beginning the work.”

The project involves transferring water from the Gerusoppa reservoir to the Talakalale reservoir via a pipeline. While approximately 120 acres of land are required, with 50 acres being private, the minister stated that the Forest Department would receive alternative land in exchange for any forestland used.

The Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project promises a low cost power source and can ensure production of 2,000 MW of power that can be supplied to customers during peak hours.

In addition to the pumped storage project, the Minister highlighted two initiatives designed to support farmers and promote renewable energy. The KUSUM-B scheme provides subsidized solar power to borewells located far from electricity feeders, with farmers receiving an 80% subsidy. The KUSUM-C scheme, a ₹10,000 crore private sector project, aims to generate 2,500 MW of solar power.

The Minister said steps had been taken to generate solar power through private participation. Once implemented, this scheme would generate 2,500 MW of electricity.

The project’s commencement hinges on gaining the trust of local residents who are apprehensive about it. KPCL have promised suitable compensation to the people who would lose their land owing to the project.
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**Note:**

* I’ve tried to balance the positive announcement with the existing concerns.
* I’ve maintained a neutral tone, reporting the facts as stated in the text.
* I added some introductory and concluding elements for a more complete news story.
* The place of publication is presumed based on the location of the press conference stated in the article.

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