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Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Ecological concerns being raised over Sharavathi pumped storage project
Shivamogga: Karnataka's ambitious Sharavathi pumped storage project, designed to generate and store 2,000 MW of power, threatens both environmental sustainability and local communities living in the area. The project's impact extends throughout the Sharavathi valley, affecting the lion-tailed macaque sanctuary and surrounding areas, according to environmentalists. Residents of Henni, Marathi camp, Gundibylu, and Jadagallu face their second displacement within 50 years, following their initial relocation after the Sharavathi hydroelectric power project. Located 155 kms from Shivamogga, which is the district headquarters, residents of Gundibylu-Marathi camp near Talakalale dam in Sagar taluk have received notices. Authorities plan to acquire approximately twelve houses and associated properties. The forest department has allowed marking the trees near residences, despite lacking administrative project approval, the villagers alleged. The taluk administration has issued three notices regarding compensation settlement, culminating in a Friday meeting led by MLA Gopal Krishna Belur. The indigenous Kunbi Marathi community, who have inhabited the area for generations, faces fresh displacement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 목에 주름이 생기는 '진짜' 이유 뷰앤디 더 알아보기 Undo Speaking to TOI, 49-year-old Manjunath expressed concern about their housing rights and pending land rights certificates. He reported a lack of official visits and alleged threats of forced property clearance. Santosh, 45, criticised the arbitrary compensation of Rs 10 lakh offered without proper property assessment. His son Shivanand, who discontinued education after class 10 due to financial constraints, described their sleepless nights and likened leaving their village to suicide. Speaking to TOI, Sagar MLA Gopal Krishna assured that residents' interests will be protected while also acknowledging the project's necessity. This PSP (pumped storage project) functions as a water battery for peak periods. The system repumps used water to higher elevations for future use. With an estimated cost of Rs 10,240 crore, completion is expected within 5-6 years. The project work continues despite environmental organisations opposing the initiatives by both the Union and state govts.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Madhu inspects Hasirumakki bridge construction
1 2 Shivamogga: District minister Madhu Bangarappa and Congress MLA Gopal Krishna Belur conducted an inspection on Friday of the Hasirumakki bridge construction works in Sagar taluk, a state govt-funded project to connect remote villages across Sharavathi River. The project is about 20 kms away from the Ambaragoldu-Kalasavalli bridge, popularly known as the Sigandur bridge, which is a prestigious project of the Union govt. Madhu Bangarappa stated that the Hasirumakki bridge construction fulfils a regional aspiration. The project, now 80% complete, is scheduled for inauguration in May 2026. The Hasirumakki bridge project, costing Rs 125.7 crore, includes 1.115 km of road construction. The structure features a width of 8.5 metres and comprises 34 pillars. The minister provided assurance regarding the govt's dedication to timely project completion. He addressed the concerns of Sharavathi dam-affected residents about survey and block inclusion, promising resolution. According to the MLA, the previously stalled bridge construction resumed after being raised in the Belgaum assembly session. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dhoni's Exclusive Home Interior Choice? HomeLane Get Quote Undo The govt allocated Rs 45 crore in the initial phase, with construction progressing swiftly. The bridge will link central Karnataka and coastal regions, serving tourists, students, and businesses. With only 26 metres of road construction remaining, the bridge nears completion. Local leaders, officials, and public representatives attended the inspection. The duo also examined the Sigandur bridge later. MLA presents baagina to Tunga River Meanwhile, Shivamogga MLA Channabasappa presented baagina to Tunga River at Tunga Mantap located at the banks of the river in Shivamogga. He noted the river's significance for agriculture, drinking water, and environmental balance, highlighting the region's traditional river worship culture. This comes amidst the monsoon helping the Bhadra reservoir located on the Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts border inching near its maximum level. The dam is presently receiving 25,000 cusecs. |
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Cong criticises Union govt for price hike of fertilisers
Shivamogga: Congress MLA Gopal Krishna Belur on Monday expressed outrage over the Union govt for increasing the prices of fertilisers, ranging from Rs 160 to Rs 180 per bag. He questioned the BJP's intentions, citing their protests against the milk price hike in Karnataka, while remaining silent when the price of fertilisers were increased. Speaking to reporters in Shivamogga, he said, "Farmers are struggling to cultivate paddy in the state due to the rapid price hike of fertilisers. He questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi truly supports the agricultural community. Meanwhile, the Youth Congress, Shivamogga unit, strongly condemned the BJP govt's decision to increase chemical and fertiliser prices, which they believe will further burden farmers. They staged a protest in Shivamogga and alleged that the Union govt is giving farmers Rs 6,000 per year as Kisan Samman but collecting double that amount through increased prices of fertilisers and seeds. With farmers already struggling due to uncertain rainfall and crop damage, the price hike will exacerbate their distress. The Youth Congress urged the President to intervene and direct the Union govt to reduce fertiliser prices. If not, they threatened to take the protest to the streets. The memorandum was submitted through the joint director of agriculture in Shivamogga on Monday morning.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Congress criticises union government for fertiliser price hike, youth congress protests in Shivamogga
File photo SHIVAMOGGA: Congress MLA Gopal Krishna Belur on Monday expressed outrage over the Union govt for hiking fertiliser prices, ranging from Rs 160 to Rs 180 per bag. He questioned the BJP 's intentions, citing their protests against milk price hikes in Karnataka while remaining silent on fertiliser price increases. Speaking to reporters in Shivamogga, he said that farmers are struggling to cultivate paddy in the state due to the rapid price rises for fertilisers. He questioned whether Prime Minister Modi truly supports the agricultural community. Meanwhile, the Youth Congress, Shivamogga unit, strongly condemned the BJP govt's decision to increase chemical and fertiliser prices, which they believe will further burden farmers. They staged a protest in Shivamogga and alleged that the Union govt is giving farmers Rs 6,000 per year as Kisan Samman but collecting double that amount through increased prices of fertilisers and seeds. With farmers already struggling due to uncertain rainfall and crop damage, the price hike will exacerbate their distress. The Youth Congress urged the President to intervene and direct the Union govt to reduce fertiliser prices. If not, they threatened to take the protest to the streets. The memorandum was submitted through the Joint Director of Agriculture in Shivamogga on Monday morning.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Forest land rights issues reviewed for displaced residents, forest dwellers
Shivamogga : A crucial meeting was held on Friday regarding the forest land rights of the Sharavathi hydel project 's displaced residents and traditional forest dwellers in Shivamogga district minister Madhu Bangarappa presided over the meeting held at Vidhana Soudha. Shivamogga district MLAs Gopal Krishna Belur, Sharada Poorya Nayak, MLC Balkis Banu, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajaneesh, along with senior district officials, attended the agenda covered several key points: Conversion of temporary house title deeds to permanent status and rectification of incorrect prescribed forest (PF) entries in land meeting also addressed timeline setting for the final notification of reserved forests under Section 4 of the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963, creation of e-asset records for land title deeds issued by Mysore govt, and exclusion of rehabilitation lands of various dam project victims from forest land designation proposals. Operation Sindoor PM Modi meets NSA, chiefs of armed forces amid spike in tensions with Pak India's air defence systems shoot down Pak drones in J&K, Punjab & Rajasthan Several airports in India to be closed till May 15 - check list The meeting also discussed the regularisation of forest lands occupied before April 27, 1978, transformation of forest villages to revenue villages under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and land rights for victims affected by Varahi, Chakra Savehaklu, Bhadra, Tunga, and other power and irrigation projects, including conversion of revenue plots (site) within 0.05 affirmed the govt's dedication to addressing these matters and delivering permanent solutions for the forest and land rights of affected inhabitants in Shivamogga offered positive assurance, providing clear instructions to officials for swift resolution.
