A delegation from Uttara Kannada has urged the Centre to reconsider and withdraw development projects that could cause long-term damage to the district’s forests, rivers, wildlife and traditional livelihoods. The demand comes amid growing concerns over several large infrastructure, hydropower and river-diversion proposals in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats.
One of the major concerns is the proposed Bedti–Varada river-linking project and the Aghanashini–Vedavathi river-linking proposal. In March 2026, a high-level delegation from Uttara Kannada met Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and requested that the projects be dropped, citing environmental and livelihood concerns. The delegation included district leaders, legislators and members of the Bedti–Aghanashini Valley Conservation Committee.
According to the delegation, large-scale river-linking works could require dams, tunnels, canals, pipelines, pumping stations and transmission lines, potentially resulting in forest loss and fragmentation of wildlife habitats. They also warned that changes in freshwater flows could affect downstream agriculture, drinking-water availability and coastal estuaries.
Concerns Beyond River Linking
The proposed Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project has also become a major environmental concern. The project is planned in the Sharavathi landscape, which includes the legally protected Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone. Environmental groups and local communities have questioned the project’s impact on forests, wildlife and river systems.
Concerns have also been raised over the expansion of Kaiga nuclear power facilities, including proposals connected with Units 5 and 6. A proposed quarry for construction materials was reported to fall within the Kali Tiger Reserve, prompting objections from environmental activists who have sought an alternative location.
Protecting Forests and Livelihoods
Uttara Kannada is heavily dependent on its natural ecosystems. Fishing communities rely on rivers and estuaries, farmers depend on freshwater resources, and forest-dependent communities rely on the Western Ghats for their livelihoods. Environmental groups have argued that development decisions must therefore consider cumulative impacts rather than assessing large projects individually.
The delegation’s appeal reflects a wider demand for development that respects ecological limits. Instead of proceeding rapidly with projects that could permanently alter rivers and forests, community representatives are calling for independent scientific assessments, transparent public consultations and stronger protection for environmentally sensitive areas.
For Uttara Kannada, the debate is not simply about development versus conservation. It is about finding a balance that protects the district’s forests, rivers, wildlife and traditional livelihoods while allowing responsible infrastructure and economic development to move forward.