Maharashtra Forest Minister reviews Karjat power project amid tree felling row
Ganesh Naik is examining ways to preserve trees at Torrent Power's 3,000-MW pumped storage project in Raigad.
Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik is reviewing Torrent Power’s 3,000-MW Saidongar-I pumped storage project in Karjat taluka of Raigad district, according to reports by Deccan Chronicle and ThePrint. The project, located near the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 13,500 crore.
Naik stated that the project received approval before he took charge of the Forest Department. He told reporters on Sunday that he is investigating methods to protect as many trees as possible at the site and increase plantation elsewhere to prevent environmental degradation.
The project has faced opposition from leaders including Aaditya Thackeray, Rohit Pawar, and Raj Thackeray. Opposition members have alleged that the felling of 32,000 trees for the project will cause severe environmental damage and impact biodiversity and local livelihoods.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the project, stating that the environmental impact would be temporary compared to the long-term benefits of clean energy. Fadnavis said 90,000 trees would be planted and twice the project area would be given to the Forest Department.
Minister of State for Power Meghana Bordikar also supported the project, noting it would provide clean energy to the state. Torrent Power has maintained that the project site is located outside the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone.