Hundreds of concerned citizens, environmentalists, and climate activists submitted a formal representation to the Deputy Commissioner of Belagavi, urging the district administration to halt the proposed Bandura Mini-Hydel Project on the Hiranyakeshi River near Jatrat village in Khanapur taluka.
The group expressed deep concern about the ecological and social repercussions of the project, stating that it threatens the pristine, ecologically sensitive region of the Western Ghats—a global biodiversity hotspot. According to the letter, the Hiranyakeshi River is a vital water source and supports rich biodiversity, including endemic fish and amphibians. The activists argued that diverting water for a mini-hydroelectric project could severely impact the natural flow of the river, harm aquatic life, and undermine the river’s self-cleaning capacity.
Concerns Over Transparency and Public Consultation
The representation pointed out that there has been a lack of transparency in the approval process, with minimal or no public consultation involving the affected communities and environmental experts. Activists have demanded that the project undergo an independent and comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), followed by public hearings.
“The proposed project violates the principles of ecological justice and sustainable development. It also goes against the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) recommendations,” the letter stated.
Cultural and Religious Significance
The activists also highlighted the cultural and religious significance of the river. The Hiranyakeshi Temple, located near the origin of the river, attracts numerous devotees throughout the year. Any alteration to the river’s natural course, they argued, would not only affect its ecological health but also hurt the sentiments of the local population.
Call for Immediate Intervention
In their appeal to the Deputy Commissioner, the group urged the administration to immediately intervene and stop any progress on the Bandura Mini-Hydel Project until a thorough review is conducted. They called for the project to be reconsidered in the larger interest of environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.
The memorandum has added to growing voices across Karnataka that are pushing for more environmentally responsible governance and greater community participation in developmental decisions, especially in ecologically sensitive zones.