Karjat power project row: Examining ways to preserve maximum trees, undertake compensatory plantation, says Maharashtra minister

Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik. PIC/X

Amid growing opposition to the proposed felling of more than 32,000 trees for a hydropower project in Raigad district, Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on Sunday said he was examining ways to preserve the maximum number of trees and undertake compensatory plantation, news agency PTI reported.

Speaking to reporters, Naik clarified that approval for Torrent Power's 3,000 MW Saidongar-I pumped storage project near the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in Karjat was granted before he took charge of the Forest Department. He added 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," said Naik.

Developed by Torrent Power at an estimated cost of Rs 13,500 crore, the proposed Saidongar-I pumped storage project has triggered protests over the felling of more than 32,000 trees and the diversion of forest land.

Naik's remarks come amid an intensifying debate over the project's environmental impact, even as the state government has 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, while adding that the government was willing to hear genuine concerns and consider better alternatives.

Government defends project as opposition, environmental groups raise concerns

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. Torrent Power, meanwhile, has maintained that the project is located outside the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone.

However, opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, have raised concerns over the proposed tree felling, diversion of forest land and the potential impact on biodiversity and local livelihoods. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray has also visited the project area and met residents.

Environmental groups, including NatConnect Foundation and Vanashakti, have flagged concerns over forest loss, wildlife habitats, water security and the project's ecological impact on the Western Ghats.

The project has also faced resistance from villagers in Saidongar, Pali and other affected areas, who fear the loss of forest-based livelihoods and grazing land, as well as possible displacement.

(With PTI inputs)