The Sharavati River, originating in Shivamogga district, flows 130 km through ecologically rich Western Ghats before emptying into the Arabian Sea. Now, the Karnataka Power Corporation (KPCL) has proposed a 2,000 MW pumped storage project (PSP) using two existing reservoirs in the Sharavati valley. This initiative aims to address the state’s rising energy demand and strengthen the power grid. 

It has long been a key source of hydroelectric power, supporting major stations like the Sharavathy Generating Station (1,035 MW), Mahatma Gandhi Hydroelectric Station (139.2 MW), Linganamakki Dam Power House (55 MW), and Gerusoppa Dam Power House (240 MW). These stations have provided Karnataka with affordable electricity. 

The KPCL board approved the project in 2016, followed by the state government approval in 2017. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has also identified the Sharavati PSP as part of its plan to generate 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. The project implementing agency says that as a major part of the construction will take place underground, the damage caused to the forest cover will be minimal.

As per KPCL, most construction will be underground, minimising forest damage.