60k trees to go as Saundatti power project gets green nod

Developed by Greenko Energies Saundatti Pumped Storage Project (PSP) in Belagavi, Karnataka, has received environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.

But it comes at a significant ecological cost—over 64,000 trees will be felled, far exceeding the initial estimate of 5,087 trees in 2018.

Key Details:

 Project Capacity: Initially proposed at 1,260 MW, now expanded to 1,600 MW.

Land Requirement: 759.65 acres, including 395.36 acres of forest land, much of which will be submerged under the upper reservoir.

Wildlife Impact: The affected area is home to Indian foxes, Asiatic jackals, jungle cats, black bucks, and spotted deer.