Forest department report rejects Sattegala mini hydel project to protect elephants
A proposed 24.75 MW mini hydel project in Sattegala, upstream of the Shivanasamudra Falls in the MM Hills Wildlife Division, faces rejection after a third forest department inspection report upheld original objections regarding its threat to elephant habitats. The report, submitted by Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Bhaskar B in March 2026, warned that any fresh construction in the ecologically sensitive zone would aggravate human-wildlife conflicts.
The project was proposed in 2023 by Balaji Cauvery Power Private Limited, which sought the “re-diversion” of a portion of land leased to Pioneer Power Corporation Limited for 20 years in 2005.
The proposal has seen a series of conflicting inspections. On October 16, 2024, the then DCF B Santosh Kumar first inspected the site and reported that elephants roamed freely in the area. He expressed concern that the project would trigger conflicts, noting that elephants account for approximately 65% of all wildlife conflict incidents in the region. Kumar was transferred shortly after submitting his report.
Following Kumar's transfer, a senior officer overruled the findings and ordered a review. In March 2025, the newly appointed DCF Y Chakrapani submitted a second report that removed the initial objections.
However, the proposal was subsequently put on hold, and the Forest Department directed the local office to verify the project details again and provide specific remarks.
Bhaskar B, who took charge as DCF in July 2025, conducted a third inspection and issued his report in March 2026, strongly recommending that the project be rejected.
In his report, Bhaskar noted that the dry deciduous forest along the Cauvery River is a moderately to steeply sloped area classified as a deemed forest and an ecologically sensitive zone. The area serves as a habitat for elephants, spotted deer, wild boars, Indian grey mongooses, and monitor lizards.
While acknowledging that the proposed site does not fall within an officially notified elephant corridor, Bhaskar emphasized that it remains a critical habitat for elephants. He concluded that any construction would adversely impact the delicate man-animal conflict situation and fully endorsed the initial objections raised in October 2024.
