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Members of the National Board for Wildlife, including Harishankar Singh and Raman Sukumar, along with Shivakumar CM from the National Tiger Conservation Authority, visited Shivamogga to assess the controversial 2000 MW Sharavathi pumped storage project. The project site, located in the Sharavathi Valley, raises concerns regarding its impact on ecology and cultural heritage sites.

Environmentalists presented their concerns, highlighting risks to ASI-protected monuments and the critically endangered tree species Friesodielsia sahyadrica. Activists argued that the project violates the Wildlife Protection Act and called for alternative energy solutions. They submitted a memorandum urging the committee to reject wildlife clearance until a comprehensive archaeological and heritage impact assessment is conducted.