Increased Opposition (April 2025): Local farmers, tribal groups, and environmentalists intensified protests against the Sillahalla Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project (SPSHEP), submitting petitions to the Tamil Nadu
the project involves constructing two dams, tunnels, an underground powerhouse, and surface storage points.
Environmental Concerns: The project threatens to submerge farmland and forest land, affecting approximately 3,000 farmers. Joint land ownership complicates compensation.
Public Response: Local communities have raised concerns regarding environmental impact and the loss of livelihoods.
Spiritual Protest: Residents from affected villages prayed to Lord Murugan, the Nilgiris’ guardian deity, to protect the environment and prevent the project’s implementation.
“Sillahalla Kaavadi”: A special kaavadi was offered to Lord Murugan, symbolizing both cultural faith and environmental concern.
Activist Involvement: Activists like M. Sivalingam (Sillahalla Protection Committee) and lawyer K. Vijayan participated in the spiritual protest.
Need for divine intervention: Villagers now turn to the divine, believing that Lord Murugan alone can protect the hills, forests and future.
