Sat Nov 01 14:48:10 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

A proposal for the Sri Shantamallikarjuna Mini Hydel Project on the Kumaradhara river in Kodagu district, Karnataka, India, has sparked controversy. Conservationists are opposing the project, citing potential damage to the Western Ghats ecosystem, proximity to the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, and violation of a prior Karnataka High Court undertaking to not permit new mini hydel projects in the region. Concerns include habitat fragmentation, increased human-elephant conflict, and degradation of the riverine ecosystem.

News Article:

New Hydel Project Threatens Sensitive Wildlife Area in Karnataka

MYSURU, November 1, 2025 – A proposal for a mini-hydel project on the Kumaradhara river in Kodagu district, Karnataka, is facing strong opposition from conservationists, who fear its impact on the fragile Western Ghats ecosystem. The Sri Shantamallikarjuna Mini Hydel Project, proposed by M/s Poorna Pragna Infrastructure, seeks to divert 2.8 hectares of forestland in Kumarahalli village.

Wildlife conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni is urging the Forest Department to deny permission, highlighting the project’s proximity to the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, a vital elephant habitat. “The region is already suffering from fragmentation,” Kulkarni warned, “and this project would further exacerbate human-elephant conflict and damage the river ecosystem.”

Kulkarni emphasized the importance of the region, pointing out that it falls within the sanctuary’s Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). He also reminded authorities of the Karnataka government’s previous commitment to the High Court to refrain from approving new mini-hydel projects in the Western Ghats. Approving this project would directly contradict this pledge, and violate the State’s stated conservation policy,” Kulkarni stated.

The project is currently under review by the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Madikeri Division. Environmental groups are calling for a thorough assessment of the potential ecological damage and for the Forest Department to uphold its commitment to protecting the biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

Read More