In a significant decision for environmental conservation, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), GOI, has rejected Adani Energy’s application for the 1500 MW Warasgaon-Warangi Pump Storage Project. The committee emphasized the importance of protecting fragile biodiversity and community conservation areas in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. This decision, announced following a meeting on September 27, 2024, is expected to have wide-reaching implications for similar projects in the region.

The EAC’s refusal comes after extensive advocacy from various environmental groups, organization like SANDRP, which highlighted the potential ecological devastation posed by the proposed project. The upper dam’s construction was set to threaten a sacred fish pool and grove associated with Goddess Varadayini in the village of Tekpowale. A submission detailing the potential impacts of the project garnered support from over 200 individuals and organizations, underscoring the widespread concern over the project’s implications for local ecosystems.

In its ruling, the EAC denied amendments to the Terms of Reference (TOR) that had previously been granted for a smaller 1200 MW version of the project by Adani Green Energy. The committee has mandated that the proponent submit a fresh application for Stage I Clearance, adhering to specific conditions designed to minimize environmental disruption. These include a requirement for a new project layout that avoids obstructing small rivulets, which are vital for maintaining the health of perennial rivers in the Western Ghats, and adjustments to reduce forest land impact.

Moreover, the EAC noted alarming changes in the project’s configuration, which significantly increased the total forest land required from 24.50 hectares to 88.98 hectares. The committee raised concerns about the proponent’s failure to apply for Stage I forest clearance within the mandated time frame, which further complicated the approval process.

In a proactive move, the EAC announced plans for site visits to all proposed pumped storage projects in the Western Ghats before granting any further environmental clearances. This initiative aims to ensure that decision-makers are fully aware of the ecological sensitivities involved in these projects, a necessity given the vast forest areas implicated.

The decision has been welcomed by environmentalists and local communities, who see it as a crucial step towards safeguarding the Western Ghats’ unique biodiversity. As the region faces increasing pressure from development projects, the EAC’s stringent assessment criteria and commitment to thorough site evaluations signal a shift towards more responsible environmental governance.

The EAC’s stance reinforces the message that economic development must not come at the cost of ecological integrity. With over 15 pumped storage projects under review in the Western Ghats, the committee’s rigorous approach could set a precedent for future energy projects in ecologically sensitive areas across India. As the debate over sustainable development continues, the EAC’s actions reflect a growing recognition of the need to balance energy demands with environmental stewardship.