Over 100,000 trees in Tumakuru district are set to be cut down for the PM Kusum Solar Power Project, which aims to boost Karnataka’s green energy capacity. While green activists estimate that nearly 500,000 trees are at risk, including valuable sandalwood and teak, government officials assert that the area mainly contains acacia and eucalyptus shrubs, putting the number closer to 100,000.
Documents reviewed by TOI reveal that the Karnataka government has identified 10 locations for the project as of January 7, with the tendering process complete for three sites—Nidasale, Chikkanayakanahalli, and Midigeshi—in Tumakuru district. Three other sites have already been allotted land, while the fourth awaits a public hearing. Proposals for the remaining three sites are under review by the regional forest range.
Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda expressed concerns, calling the project “highly inappropriate,” and advised the district administration to halt progress. Under the PM-Kusum scheme, Karnataka has been allocated 41,360 MW of capacity with a 30% subsidy from the central government. Tumakuru currently contributes 2,700 MW from solar energy.
In Gubbi taluk alone, over 100,000 trees are slated for removal across four sites. These areas were originally designated as revenue gomaala land, traditionally used for cattle grazing, before being converted into plantations. Forest department officials claim that most of the trees in question are shrubs or non-valuable species like acacia and eucalyptus. However, environmentalists remain vocal about the impact, urging the government to consider alternative locations, such as abandoned mining sites, instead of sacrificing valuable green spaces.
Read also: