The River's Last Stand? Why the Yettinahole Project is Hitting a Wall in the Fragile Western Ghats

The Western Ghats, a magnificent stretch of emerald green, often called India's Sahyadri, stand as a sentinel of biodiversity. But even these ancient hills, you see, are not immune to the relentless march of human ambition. And now, a particularly contentious project — the Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project — has hit a rather significant speed bump, raising more than a few eyebrows and, frankly, a lot of relief among environmentalists.

It’s a story, in truth, that’s been unfolding for years: a grand, ambitious plan designed to quench the thirst of Karnataka’s parched Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts, amongst others. A noble goal, one might argue, but at what cost? That’s precisely the question now being asked with renewed urgency, as the Centre has decided to defer its approval, citing a litany of concerns that are, frankly, quite serious.

The heart of the matter lies in the delicate balance of nature. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), alongside the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), have, for once, stood firm. Their reasons? Significant forest violations observed in the Hassan and Sakleshpur divisions, areas already grappling with the looming threat of landslides. And let’s be honest, the image of these majestic hills crumbling is not one any responsible authority wants to contemplate.

This isn't, by any stretch, the project's first brush with controversy. Oh no. Way back in 2014, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) actually slapped a stay on it. Then, in a conditional move, they granted a green light in 2017 – but with a crucial caveat: a comprehensive hydrological study absolutely had to be conducted. This study, meant to ascertain the actual water availability and the project's true impact, became a lynchpin. And yet, here we are, years later, still waiting.

You see, the project, spearheaded by the Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Ltd (KNNL), carries an eye-watering price tag – estimated at a whopping Rs 13,000 crore. And what about the returns? A 2022 audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had already cast a shadow of doubt over its very viability, flagging concerns about its cost-benefit ratio. Honestly, when the auditors start asking questions, it's usually a sign that something, somewhere, isn't quite right.

Environmental groups, like the Western Ghats Rakshana Vedike, have been vocal critics from the outset. Their argument is simple, yet profound: this region, the Western Ghats, is a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot. Diverting rivers like the Netravati's tributaries – the very essence of its ecosystem – could have catastrophic, irreversible consequences. We're talking about disrupting delicate ecological balances, impacting wildlife, and potentially exacerbating natural disasters. It's a tricky one, balancing human needs with the planet's health.

Past clearances, a forest clearance for 13.93 hectares between 2013-2015 and an environment clearance for 24.06 hectares in 2015, now seem to ring hollow in light of the persistent issues. The core problem remains that elusive hydrological study. Initial requests went to the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), then later, it was proposed that an IIT (either Roorkee or Mumbai) should take the reins. But regardless of who’s meant to do it, the study remains largely unaddressed, a critical piece of the puzzle still missing.

It appears the Centre, perhaps having learned lessons from other contentious projects — one only needs to think of the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, which also faced legal entanglements and inter-state disputes — is treading cautiously. And frankly, that's probably for the best. For once, the pause button has been hit, giving us all a chance to really reflect: can we truly afford to gamble with our planet's most precious natural assets for a project whose efficacy and environmental impact are still, quite literally, up in the air?