Environmental organisation Vanashakti has urged the Maharashtra government to cancel Torrent Power’s proposed 3,000-MW hydropower project in Karjat, raising concerns over extensive tree felling, threatened wildlife and unresolved tribal rights.
The project is expected to affect six villages and require the removal of more than 32,000 trees. Three of these villages—Dhak, Potal and Saidongar—are included in the draft notification identifying ecologically sensitive areas of the Western Ghats.
In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Vanashakti questioned the prolonged delay in finalising the notification. “Your ministry (MoEFCC) has dragged its feet for over 16 years for finalising the Ecologically Sensitive Areas of the Western Ghats. The reasons for this delay are not hard to comprehend. We are shocked to see that three villages (Dhak, Potal and Saidongar) are in the draft notification,” the letter states.
The NGO also questioned why the project was considered despite the region’s ecological importance, alleging that delayed notification could expose sensitive areas to destruction.
The project requires 377 hectares of land, including 233 hectares of forest and 144 hectares of private property. Dhak accounts for the largest private land requirement at 73.55 hectares, followed by Saidongar at 11.79 hectares and Potal at 6.87 hectares.
Vanashakti director Stalin D highlighted the environmental consequences, saying, “The Western Ghats, a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot, sustain wildlife and humans alike, and our Constitution obligates us to protect them. Yet, as Maharashtra faces drought and falling groundwater, the government remains indifferent,” Stalin D, director, Vanashakti told HT. “Deforestation lowers the water table and worsens heat waves, stripping away our first defence against climate change.”
The environmental clearance identifies 14 mammals, six bird species and six reptiles protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The NGO also flagged incomplete Forest Rights Act claims in Dhak and objections reportedly raised by village gram sabhas. It has demanded forest restoration, wildlife protection and safeguards for affected tribal communities.
A senior forest official said Fadnavis had addressed the concerns on Sunday, adding, “We have nothing more to say.”
Source: Hindustan Times
