The Karnataka Forest Department has proposed the diversion of 23.3 hectares of forest land in Sandur taluk, Ballari district, to facilitate a 130 MW power storage facility by JSW Renewable Energy Limited, valued at Rs 64 crore.
While discussions continue regarding a separate pumped storage project within the Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary, senior forest officials from the Ballari Circle have supported this Sandur project, noting that the site does not fall within any national park, wildlife sanctuary, elephant corridor, or protected zone, aligning it with the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
An inspection report revealed that the proposed location is situated 8 km from the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary and 17.1 km from the Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary, with 2,539 trees slated for felling.
The Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) for Ballari Circle has endorsed the proposal, indicating that JSW has allocated 23.7 hectares in Agasanur village, Siruguppa taluk, for compensatory afforestation. Additionally, JSW has pledged a net present value (NPV) payment of Rs 2.9 crore.