Former minister K.S. Eshwarappa called the Sharavati Pumped Storage Project (PSP) a scheme to loot money. At a press conference in Shivamogga on February 10, he said his group, Rashtrabhaktara Balaga, would use legal ways to stop the project. He warned the project would damage the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot. Huge blasts using explosives are planned. The Karnataka government has ignored objections by experts and environmentalists. "Wild animals and birds would be severely impacted by the power project," he said. Rashtrabhaktara Balaga, formed after Eshwarappa was expelled from BJP, joined others opposing the project. They will take part in a protest march led by environmental group Parisarakkagi Naavu on February 12 in Shivamogga. Eshwarappa promised to push the Central Government not to clear the project by meeting Union Ministers H.D. Kumaraswamy and Pralhad Joshi. "If necessary, we will also move court to oppose the project after consulting with experts," he added. Environmentalist Prof. B.M. Kumaraswamy said activists from across Karnataka will join the protest starting at Sheenappa Shetty Circle and ending at the Deputy Commissioner's office. He highlighted that the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) proposed the project inside the Lion-Tailed Macaque Sanctuary, violating the Wildlife Act of 1972. Over 16,000 trees may be cut. "We must oppose this project and stop its implementation," he said. Retired engineering professor L.K. Sripathi said the project will harm forests and water flow, impacting aquatic life. "Better energy technologies exist. Why should KPCL pursue this polluting project?" he asked.