Mumbai, Nov 1 (PTI) Amid growing outrage over the proposed felling of over 32,000 trees for a hydropower project in Raigad district, Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on Sunday said he was examining ways to maximise tree preservation and compensatory plantation.
Speaking to reporters here, Naik clarified that approval for Torrent Power’s 3,000 MW Saidongar-I pumped storage project near Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in Karjat was granted before he assumed charge of the Forest Department, adding that he was currently reviewing the project’s details.
“I am looking into how maximum trees can be preserved at the site and how more trees can be planted in their place,” he said.
The proposed Saidongar-I pumped storage project, being developed by Torrent Power at an estimated cost of Rs 13,500 crore, has triggered protests over the proposed felling of more than 32,000 trees and diversion of forest land.
Naik’s remarks come amid a growing debate over the project’s environmental impact, even as the state government defended it as essential for clean energy generation and power storage.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has backed the project, saying pumped storage facilities would help balance intermittent solar and wind power generation and meet peak electricity demand.
He dismissed the opposition as politically motivated, adding that the government was willing to hear genuine concerns and consider better alternatives.
Minister of State for Power Meghana Bordikar has also defended the project, saying it received approval after complying with conditions laid down by the Union Environment and Forest Ministry, while Torrent Power has maintained that the project is located outside the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone.
Opposition leaders Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, however, have raised concerns over the proposed tree felling, forest diversion and impact on biodiversity and local livelihoods. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray also visited the project area and met residents.
Environmental groups, including NatConnect Foundation and Vanashakti, have raised concerns about forest loss, wildlife habitats, water security, and ecological impact on the Western Ghats.
The project has faced resistance from villagers in Saidongar, Pali, and other affected areas, who fear loss of forest-based livelihoods, grazing land, and possible displacement. PTI ND ARU
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