Why in NEWS
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has given in-principle approval to the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project, located inside the Sharavathi Valley Lion-tailed Macaque Sanctuary in Karnataka’s Western Ghats.
Key Terms / Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| NBWL | National Board for Wildlife – a statutory advisory body for wildlife conservation in India. |
| Sharavathi Valley Sanctuary | A biodiversity-rich area in Karnataka that houses endangered species like the Lion-tailed Macaque. |
| Lion-tailed Macaque | An endangered, arboreal monkey species endemic to the Western Ghats, highly sensitive to habitat disturbance. |
| Pumped Storage Hydroelectricity | A method of storing energy by pumping water between two reservoirs at different elevations. |
Key Points
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Details | 2,000 MW hydro project using pumped storage between Gerusoppa (lower) & Talakalale (upper) dams. |
| Technology | Underground turbines for grid stability, supports renewable energy goals. |
| Sanctuary Info | Located in Shivamogga, Karnataka; area of 431.23 sq. km. Features Jog Falls and rich biodiversity. |
| Ecological Concerns | Project located in Lion-tailed Macaque Sanctuary; fears of habitat loss and fragmentation. |
| Next Step | Will now seek clearance under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 before final NBWL approval. |
About National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2003, under Section 5A of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 |
| Chairperson | Prime Minister of India |
| Vice Chairperson | Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change |
| Members | 47 total: includes COAS, secretaries, and 10 conservationists |
| Functions | Advises Central Govt on wildlife policies; approves projects in/near protected areas and eco-sensitive zones |
| Standing Committee | Up to 10 members; chaired by Environment Minister; clears specific projects |
About Lion-tailed Macaques
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Macaca silenus |
| Distribution | Endemic to Western Ghats: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu |
| Habitat | Tropical moist evergreen forests; prefers continuous undisturbed canopy |
| Size & Appearance | 2–10 kg, 42–61 cm long, black fur with grey/silver mane |
| Behavior | Arboreal, lives in small groups (10–20); avoids humans, territorial |
| Ecological Role | Frugivorous; key seed disperser maintaining forest health |
| Threats | 99% habitat loss due to fragmentation, agriculture, and urbanisation |
| Conservation Status | IUCN – Endangered, CITES – Appendix I, WPA 1972 – Schedule I |
Field Study Insight – Silent Valley, Kerala
A study by the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS) found macaques in human-disturbed zones:
- Used smaller home ranges
- Stayed off the ground (94.2%)
- Showed behavioural adaptation to human presence
Whereas those in core forest zones: - Roamed more freely, including on forest floor
This indicates ecological flexibility under pressure.
In a nutshell
Memory Code: S-H-A-R-A-V-A-T-H-I
Sanctuary under threat, Hydro plan approved, Arboreal macaques, Rare species, Appendix I (CITES), Valuable biodiversity, Advisory NBWL nod, Two-dam tech, Habitat fragmentation fears, IUCN endangered
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following statements about Lion-tailed Macaque is correct?
a) It is found across all Indian forests
b) It is listed under Schedule II of WPA
c) It is endemic to the Western Ghats
d) It primarily lives on the forest floor - NBWL is chaired by:
a) Environment Minister
b) Prime Minister
c) Chief of Army Staff
d) President of India - The Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project is planned in which state?
a) Kerala
b) Karnataka
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Maharashtra
Prelims Answers with Explanations
| Qn | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | c | The Lion-tailed Macaque is endemic to the Western Ghats and is arboreal. |
| 2 | b | NBWL is chaired by the Prime Minister of India. |
| 3 | b | The project is in the Sharavathi Valley Sanctuary, Karnataka. |
