Controversy Surrounds Proposed Five-Star Hotel Near Jog Falls

Conservationists and local residents are raising concerns over a new proposal by the Jog Management Authority for a five-star eco-tourism hotel near Jog Falls in Karnataka’s Western Ghats. The plan, aimed at replacing the existing PWD Guest House in Sharavathi Valley, involves the diversion of over 2.3 hectares of forest land. Despite the proposal’s claim of not needing clearances under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 or the Wildlife Protection Act, due to its location outside Protected Areas or Eco-sensitive zones, opposition is mounting.

This project is not new; the Jog Management Authority first submitted a proposal in 2014 to the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for a smaller land diversion, which was rejected. A subsequent attempt in 2021 sought permission for a larger land diversion of 0.8536 hectares but faced similar rejection due to objections from locals and conservationists. The current proposal, submitted in June 2021, has now increased the required land diversion to 2.392 hectares.

Local opposition highlights that the Sharavathi Valley is already under threat from existing infrastructure projects, including hydroelectric projects and railways. Critics argue that another development, particularly a permanent five-star hotel, would further damage the fragile environment. According to a senior official from the Karnataka Forest Department (KFD), the application is still pending review, and any permanent construction within a forest reserve is likely to be rejected.

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