29 October,2026 10:58 AM IST | Karjat | Ranjeet Jadhav
Raj Thackeray interacted with villagers who allegedly face displacement or the loss of their land due to the project. Pic/Avinash Jadhav
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday appealed to residents of Karjat, particularly youngsters, to unite and lead the protest against a proposed 3,000-MW pumped storage project, following the commencement of tree felling at the site.
Addressing a gathering in Karjat after visiting the affected area earlier in the day, the MNS chief said that he would support residents opposing projects that could damage the region's natural environment.
Raj Thackeray said, "The people and youngsters from Karjat should come together and lead the protest against the project, and I will stand behind them."
The proposed project is expected to require the felling of 32,490 trees, triggering opposition from local residents and political leaders concerned about its environmental impact and the possible displacement of villagers.
Recalling his visit to the site, Thackeray said that the sight of the felled trees had left him distressed.
"I visited the area where trees have been cut and saw piles of dead trees. I felt bad and felt like I had come for the funeral of the trees," Thackeray added.
He also alleged that the project was being undertaken to benefit businessmen from Gujarat.
Questioning the need for the project, Thackeray said, "I don't understand what is the need for this project?" He also criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Deputy Chief Ministers for not taking a stand against it.
During his address, Thackeray also spoke to workers from Wada and Jawhar who had been brought to the area for tree-felling work. He cautioned them that similar development projects could threaten the environment and livelihoods in their own regions in the future.
He said, "Tomorrow you might face a similar situation in Wada and Jawhar."
Thackeray also read out a list of renewable energy projects proposed in the Sahyadri ranges and other parts of Maharashtra. He alleged that of the 23 projects planned in the Sahyadris, only three belonged to the Centre, while the remaining 20 were associated with private entities.
Referring to 236 renewable energy projects, he argued that the growing electricity requirements of upcoming data centres were driving the expansion of such projects. He alleged that the government could cite the possibility of electricity shortages to justify the projects to people opposing them.
In view of saving the environment, Raj Thackeray also appealed to youngsters over social media posts. He urged the people to unite against projects they believe could harm the environment. He also advised youngsters to exercise caution while sharing photographs and videos of natural areas on social media.
Thackeray said the MNS, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) were jointly opposing the destruction of the region's natural environment. He questioned the absence of other political parties from the protest and appealed to the police not to support activities that could lead to environmental damage.
Earlier on Wednesday, Thackeray visited the site where tree felling for the proposed 3,000-MW pumped storage project has begun. During the visit, he interacted with villagers who allegedly face displacement or the loss of their land because of the project.
MNS leaders Bala Nandgaonkar, Avinash Jadhav, and Sandeep Deshpande, among others, accompanied him.
On Monday, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, party MP Sanjay Raut, and other party leaders had also visited the site and interacted with affected villagers.
The project has become a point of political contention, with opposition parties raising concerns about tree felling, land acquisition, and the potential environmental consequences of the proposed development.
Leaders of the ruling alliance, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, have accused those opposing the project of spreading a false narrative. They have also shared details of the proposed project's expected benefits for Maharashtra and its residents.
The competing claims have intensified the debate over the balance between renewable energy infrastructure, development requirements, and environmental protection in the Sahyadri region.
