The proposed 3,000-MW pumped-storage hydropower project in Karjat, Maharashtra, has triggered widespread environmental concerns after authorities initiated the felling of 32,490 trees. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar have criticised the government over the potential damage to the region’s biodiversity.
A letter issued by the Karjat East Range Forest Officer on October 14 directed the immediate removal of the trees for the proposed Saidongar I Karjat Off-Stream Open Loop Pumped Storage Project. The development covers Pali, Kotal Khalati, Saidongar and Dhak villages in Karjat taluka.
Official documents indicate that the project requires the diversion of 233 hectares of forest land, including 197.0272 hectares of reserved forest, 26.066 hectares of private forest and 9.9068 hectares of protected forest. Forest department officials told Mid-Day that the project had received clearances from both central and state authorities.
Environmental groups have warned that extensive tree removal could destroy wildlife habitats, fragment forest areas and disturb the ecological balance of the Sahyadri region.
Advocate Kailash More, associated with the Karjat Taluka Paryavaran Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, said, “The felling of 32,490 trees has begun in this biodiversity-rich region for the proposed Saidongar I Karjat pumped storage project. At a time when Maharashtra is grappling with drought and the growing threat of climate change, destroying a vast stretch of forest will only deepen the ecological crisis. Countless birds, wild animals and reptiles stand to lose their habitats. Do the authorities have any regard for the devastating environmental consequences of this destruction?”
Thackeray criticised the tree-cutting in a social media post, questioning the government’s support for the project being developed by Torrent Power and its response to objections raised by residents and environmentalists.
Rohit Pawar also warned that the destruction could threaten the barking deer, Maharashtra’s state animal, along with medicinal plants, rare insects and other wildlife. He further raised concerns that tunnelling blasts could weaken the hills and increase the risk of disasters similar to Malin and Irshalwadi.
Actor Richa Chadha also voiced concerns over Mumbai’s air quality and environmental issues, urging citizens to question authorities and demand accountability.
The controversy has intensified calls for greater scrutiny of the project’s environmental consequences.
Source: Mid-Day
