While over 32,000 trees are set to be felled for a pumped-storage hydroelectric project in Karjat taluka, Raigad district, the impact of the alleged deforestation, which has commenced, on local wildlife is already becoming evident. A wildlife enthusiast who visited the site found the carcasses of a small Indian civet and an Indian Russell’s viper.

Naturalists have also begun documenting the loss of biodiversity and its impact on species inhabiting the area, sharing videos highlighting the large-scale impact of the tree felling on social media. They fear that the loss of tree cover and natural habitat could have significantly affected the local biodiversity, including birds, reptiles and other wildlife, with several species likely displaced from the area. Karjat residents observed a bandh on Monday to protest against the tree felling, which received a tremendous response.