July 22, 2025 10:22 am

SESPA Opposes Sillahalla Pumped Hydro-Electric Project Amid Ecological Concerns

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SESPA Opposes Sillahalla Pumped Hydro-Electric Project Amid Ecological Concerns, Sillahalla Hydro Project Opposition, SESPA Nilgiris Protest, Ecological Damage Tamil Nadu, Pumped Storage Hydel Project, Nilgiris Fragile Ecology, Forest Submergence Risk, Sillahalla Dam Tunnel, Tamil Nadu Renewable Energy Project

SESPA Opposes Sillahalla Pumped Hydro-Electric Project Amid Ecological Concerns

SESPA Sounds Alarm Over Ecological Impact

SESPA Opposes Sillahalla Pumped Hydro-Electric Project Amid Ecological Concerns: The Sillahalla Ecological Social Protection Association (SESPA) has strongly opposed the proposed Sillahalla Pumped Hydro-Electric Storage Project in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris district, warning of its severe impact on fragile ecosystems and agricultural communities. SESPA argues that the hydropower project, which involves constructing two dams connected by a 10 km tunnel, poses a significant threat to the region’s biodiversity and ecological stability, which are already under stress due to deforestation and climate change.

Project Details and Land Submergence Concerns

The project is planned to be developed within a cluster of 25 villages, making it a source of distress for local farming and tribal communities. SESPA has raised alarms that nearly 1,000 acres of farmland and 500 acres of forest land are at risk of submersion. This includes valuable agricultural zones and elephant corridors, which are critical to both food security and wildlife conservation. The large-scale transformation of land is likely to cause loss of livelihood, displacement, and long-term environmental degradation.

Fragility of the Nilgiris: A Red Flag for Development

The Nilgiris region is classified as a highly eco-sensitive zone within the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to unique shola forests, endemic species, and indigenous tribes, the Nilgiris faces increasing threats from unregulated infrastructure projects. Environmentalists believe that any major intervention—like dams or tunnels—can cause irreversible damage through landslides, soil erosion, and groundwater disruption. The Sillahalla project, in particular, is feared to destabilize natural drainage patterns and endanger wildlife habitats.

Need for Alternatives and Inclusive Dialogue

SESPA is urging the Tamil Nadu government to reconsider the project’s approval and instead explore alternative renewable options such as solar micro-grids or community-based energy systems that don’t disrupt ecologies. The association has also called for a transparent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and wider public consultation before moving forward. With increasing global emphasis on sustainable development, the case highlights the growing tension between clean energy goals and local ecological sustainability.

STATIC GK SNAPSHOT

SESPA Opposes Sillahalla Pumped Hydro-Electric Project Amid Ecological Concerns:

Aspect Details
Project Name Sillahalla Pumped Hydro-Electric Storage Project
Location Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu
Opposing Body Sillahalla Ecological Social Protection Association (SESPA)
Key Concern Submergence of ~1,500 acres (1,000 farmland + 500 forest)
Project Features 2 dams + 10 km underground tunnel across 25 villages
Ecological Zone Western Ghats (UNESCO World Heritage Site, Eco-Sensitive Zone)
Major Risk Biodiversity loss, livelihood displacement, landslide potential
Suggested Action by SESPA Scrapping of project, sustainable energy alternatives
SESPA Opposes Sillahalla Pumped Hydro-Electric Project Amid Ecological Concerns
  1. SESPA has opposed the Sillahalla Pumped Hydro-Electric Project in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris.
  2. The project poses risks to the fragile ecology of the Nilgiris, part of the Western Ghats.
  3. The project involves constructing 2 dams connected by a 10 km tunnel.
  4. Nearly 1,000 acres of farmland and 500 acres of forest may be submerged.
  5. The affected area includes 25 villages, impacting tribal and farming communities.
  6. SESPA warns of threats to elephant corridors and biodiversity.
  7. The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and eco-sensitive zone.
  8. Environmentalists cite risks of landslides, soil erosion, and water table disruption.
  9. The region is home to shola forests, endemic species, and indigenous tribes.
  10. The project could destabilize natural drainage systems and wildlife habitats.
  11. SESPA demands a halt and re-evaluation of the project.
  12. They advocate for solar micro-grids as alternative clean energy solutions.
  13. A proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is being demanded.
  14. Public consultation is requested before any further action is taken.
  15. The conflict highlights the tension between clean energy and sustainability.
  16. The area faces increasing pressure from deforestation and climate change.
  17. The proposed tunnel would run underground across 25 villages.
  18. Displacement and livelihood loss are major concerns for local residents.
  19. Nilgiris’ ecological sensitivity makes it unsuitable for large-scale infrastructure.
  20. The project raises questions about the sustainability of pumped hydro projects in fragile zones.

 

Q1. What is the full form of SESPA, the body opposing the Sillahalla Hydro-Electric Project?


Q2. Approximately how much land is at risk of submersion due to the Sillahalla Project?


Q3. Where is the Sillahalla Pumped Hydro-Electric Storage Project proposed to be developed?


Q4. What key environmental risk is associated with the construction of tunnels and dams in the Nilgiris?


Q5. What alternative energy solution did SESPA propose instead of the dam project?


Your Score: 0

Daily Current Affairs March 22

Descriptive CA PDF

One-Liner CA PDF

MCQ CA PDF​

CA PDF Tamil

Descriptive CA PDF Tamil

One-Liner CA PDF Tamil

MCQ CA PDF Tamil

CA PDF Hindi

Descriptive CA PDF Hindi

One-Liner CA PDF Hindi

MCQ CA PDF Hindi

News of the Day

Premium

National Tribal Health Conclave 2025: Advancing Inclusive Healthcare for Tribal India
New Client Special Offer

20% Off

Aenean leo ligulaconsequat vitae, eleifend acer neque sed ipsum. Nam quam nunc, blandit vel, tempus.