Sharavathi Lion-tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats of Karnataka is under direct threat from the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Energy Project (PSP). This report examines how the diversion of evergreen forests and legally protected critical wildlife habitat violates key environmental laws, highlights governance failures at both the state and national levels, and debunks the project’s claims of being green, clean, and renewable. The report also includes an assessment of similar risks posed by the Varahi PSP.

This report investigates the large-scale planting of exotic and invasive tree species on lakebeds by the Karnataka Forest Department. Our spatial analysis reveals that nearly half of the lake area in the Hesaraghatta Lake catchment is covered by trees and shrubs. Data from ESA WorldCover 2021 shows that 49% of lakebeds in Bengaluru Urban are similarly tree- and shrub-covered. Drawing on fieldwork, remote sensing, and stakeholder interviews, the report examines how this shift affects water storage, water quality, aquatic biodiversity, and compliance with lake conservation laws. Also see Deccan Herald’s Video Documentary on the findings of the report

The Koramangala–Challaghatta Watershed Map, also known as the Bellandur–Varthur catchment map, emerged from nearly three years of sustained travel across the watershed by the editor of Mapping Malnad. Like the Vrishabhavathi River Map, the work began as a hand-drawn map that was carried to government meetings during the period when Bellandur Lake was repeatedly catching fire. The hand-drawn map later informed the development of a spatial map through geospatial analysis. The accompanying map narrative can be accessed here.

This report was submitted as part of PIL W.P No. 9578/2020 in the Karnataka High Court. It critically examines the Byramangala Lake Diversion Project, which diverts 500 MLD of wastewater flowing in the Vrishabhavathi River. The report presents evidence that the diversion will significantly increase pollution in the Vrishabhavathi, Arkavathi and Cauvery rivers, while cutting through the lakebed, destroying wetland and bird habitat, reducing lake area and displacing farmers instead of fixing upstream industrial, sewage and solid waste pollution. Following these submissions, the High Court granted a stay on the project 

This report examines the potential spread of the Covid-19 virus through Bengaluru’s wastewater pathways, specifically raja kaluves leading to lakes and the Vrishabhavathi river. It concludes that viral particles shed in urine and feces can enter rivers, lakes and sludge because of deficient sewage infrastructure. The authors identify exposure pathways such as irrigation reuse, groundwater recharge, aerosolization near sewage streams and treatment plants, and wildlife contact. The report recommends wastewater surveillance, stronger sewage and drinking water treatment, safe sludge management, and targeted protection of high‑risk communities.