Congress criticises tree cutting for Maharashtra hydropower project
Jairam Ramesh called the removal of trees in the Western Ghats an example of ecological devastation.
Congress General Secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday criticised the removal of approximately 1,100 trees for a hydropower venture in Maharashtra's Western Ghats. According to The Hindu, Ramesh described the situation as an instance of ecological devastation being forced upon the nation.
The project, identified as the Rs 13,505-crore Saidongar-I Karjat Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project, is located in the Raigad district near the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. Ramesh shared a report on X claiming that while 1,100 trees have been cut, more than 32,000 are marked for removal.
The former Environment Minister questioned who would receive the benefits of the project and who would suffer the consequences. The pumped-storage project has raised concerns regarding tribal livelihoods, forest rights, and ecological impacts.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut previously alleged that the Maharashtra Forest Department received orders to fell over 32,000 trees before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit next month. Raut shared a letter purportedly from a forest official stating that 233 hectares of land have been approved for diversion.
Opposition members and environmental activists have accused the Mahayuti Government of damaging wildlife and forests for the project.
