Maharashtra minister reviews Karjat hydropower project tree felling concerns
Forest Minister Ganesh Naik is examining ways to maximise tree preservation and compensatory plantation for a proposed project in Raigad.
Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik said on Sunday that he is reviewing Torrent Power’s 3,000 MW Saidongar-I pumped storage project in Karjat. According to ThePrint, the minister is looking for ways to protect as many trees as possible at the site and increase plantation elsewhere.
The project, located near the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in Raigad district, involves the felling of over 32,000 trees and the diversion of forest land. Naik clarified that approval for the Rs 13,500 crore project was granted before he took charge of the Forest Department.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the project, stating it would help balance solar and wind power to meet electricity demand. He said the environmental impact would be temporary and noted that 90,000 trees would be planted, with twice the project area being allocated to the Forest Department.
Minister of State for Power Meghana Bordikar added that the project complied with conditions from the Union Environment and Forest Ministry. Torrent Power has maintained that the site is outside the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone.
Opposition leaders, including Aaditya Thackeray and Rohit Pawar, have raised concerns regarding biodiversity and local livelihoods. Environmental groups such as NatConnect Foundation and Vanashakti have also expressed worries over forest loss and the impact on the Western Ghats.