The proposed 1,000 MW Upper Bhavani Pumped Storage Project in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris district has reached a crucial regulatory phase after project authorities selected one alignment from three alternatives.

Being developed by NTPC Tamil Nadu Energy Company, the project has now sought forest clearance for diverting 56.35 hectares of forest land. After detailed technical and environmental studies, Alternative 2 was chosen as it offered the “best balance” between engineering feasibility, cost, and ecological impact. Unlike the other options, this alignment involves the least forest diversion, avoids sensitive shola forests and reduces geological and seepage risks. It also lowers muck generation and construction complexity through a shorter water conductor system. All options use existing reservoirs, avoiding new submergence. The proposal has been reviewed by the state screening committee and is now under wildlife clearance scrutiny due to its proximity to Mukurthi National Park.

After finalising the alignment, NTECL submitted a forest diversion proposal to Tamil Nadu’s Project Screening Committee, which reviewed land requirements and sought clarifications on mapping, geo-referencing and compensatory afforestation. As the nearest project component lies just 987.79 mtrs. from Mukurthi National Park, the project falls under wildlife clearance scrutiny and has applied to the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife, while also securing Terms of Reference from the Union environment ministry to carry out an environmental impact assessment.