Congress slams Maharashtra government over tree felling for hydropower project
Jairam Ramesh called the reported removal of trees in the Western Ghats an example of ecological devastation.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday criticised the reported felling of nearly 1,100 trees for a hydropower project in Maharashtra's Western Ghats. According to The New Indian Express, Ramesh described the move as another example of "ecological devastation" being inflicted on the people of the country.
The project, identified as the Rs 13,505-crore Saidongar-I Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project in Raigad district’s Karjat, has raised concerns regarding forest rights, tribal livelihoods and ecological impact. Ramesh shared a media report on X claiming that while 1,100 trees have been felled, over 32,000 trees are marked for removal.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut had previously alleged that the Maharashtra forest department was ordered to fell more than 32,000 trees near the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. Raut shared a letter purportedly issued by a forest official regarding the diversion of 233 hectares of land for the project.
The project is located near the eco-sensitive Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. Raut stated the felling is occurring ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit next month for the ground-breaking ceremony of the hydropower project.
Opposition parties and green activists have accused the Mahayuti government of destroying forests and wildlife through the deforestation drive.
