Maharashtra project faces opposition over felling of 32,490 trees
Villagers in Raigad district fear the loss of forest resources and grazing lands due to a proposed 3,000 MW hydropower project.
A 3,000 MW pumped-storage hydropower project in Maharashtra's Raigad district has drawn criticism from locals and environmentalists, according to Business Today.
The Saidongar-I project, which is being developed by Torrent Power, involves the diversion of 233 hectares of forest land and the cutting of 32,490 trees.
Local villagers have expressed concerns regarding the loss of grazing areas and forest resources that are essential to their livelihoods.
The situation has led to a political dispute, with Aaditya Thackeray and Raj Thackeray visiting the village to address the issue.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has defended the project, while Torrent Power stated that the site is located outside the notified eco-sensitive zone of the Bhimashankar Sanctuary.