Survey Flags Biodiversity Discrepancies in Malshej Ghat Project EIA
An independent biodiversity survey has exposed major discrepancies in the Draft Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed 1,500-MW Malshej Ghat-Bhorande Pumped Storage Project, which is planned upstream on the Kalu River.
The initial issue was identified by Jehu Nadar from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute regional station in Mumbai. Following this, findings from an independent biodiversity survey were revealed by wildlife conservationist and former Honorary Wildlife Warden Avinash Harad.
According to Harad, the independent assessment documented a total of 777 species in the project area that were not adequately reflected in the draft assessment. Among the recorded fauna and flora are 94 species endemic to the Western Ghats.
The survey also identified 193 species that are legally protected under Schedule I and Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 2022.
The findings highlight significant gaps between the official draft documentation and the actual ecological profile of the proposed project site on the Kalu River, raising concerns regarding the comprehensive evaluation of the infrastructure project's environmental impact.
