The Karnataka Forest Department has recommended the diversion of 23.3 hectares of forest land in Sandur taluk, Ballari district, for a 130 MW, Rs 640 million power storage plant proposed by JSW Renewable Energy Limited.
While ongoing consultations continue regarding a pumped storage project within Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary, Ballari Circle’s senior forest officials have backed clearing the land in Sandur, citing that the site is outside any national park, sanctuary, elephant corridor, or protected area. This makes the project potentially permissible under the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980.
An inspection by forest officials noted the proposed site lies 8 km from Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary and 17.1 km from Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary, with 2,539 trees marked for felling. The Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) for Ballari Circle endorsed the proposal, noting that JSW has already secured 23.7 hectares in Agasanur village, Siruguppa taluk, for compensatory afforestation. JSW has also committed to a net present value (NPV) payment of Rs 29 million. (ET)
