The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has refused permission to NTPC Tamilnadu Energy Company Limited (NTECL) for conducting drifting tests at the proposed Upper Bhavani Pumped Storage Hydroelectric project site. This site lies between two ecologically sensitive areas: Mukurthi National Park and Avalanche Reserve Forest. This decision is a major setback for the controversial project. Officials explained that while initial permissions for surveys and drilling were granted, the new application for drifting tests—which check soil stability—was denied. The Divisional Forest Officer recommended against these tests, fearing their ecological impact. Such tests require clearance under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA), which is pending. These surveys are part of NTECL’s process to prepare a Detailed Project Report. Despite this, NTECL has applied via the E-PARIVESH portal for 56 hectares of forest land diversion to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. The State’s Project Scrutiny Committee will review this next. Conservationists told The Hindu that the project threatens the fragile ecosystem and endangered species like the Nilgiri tahr. They also raised concerns about harm to indigenous sacred land, such as Devar Betta Hill. Expert Tarun Chhabra noted the seasonal Toda community’s hamlet Kolimund (Kwehh(r)shy) lies close to the project’s upper storage area. He warned that past reservoirs already damaged biodiversity and underground blasting could destroy hillsides during heavy rains.