Raj Thackeray visits Karjat site as tree felling begins for 3,000-MW pumped storage project

During the visit, Raj Thackeray interacted with villagers who allegedly face displacement or the loss of their land due to the project. Pic/Avinash Jadhav

MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday visited the site in Karjat where tree felling has begun for the proposed 3,000-MW pumped storage project. The project will require the felling of 32,490 trees.

Raj Thackeray interacts with villagers

During the visit, Thackeray interacted with villagers who allegedly face displacement or the loss of their land due to the project. MNS leaders Bala Nandgaonkar, Avinash Jadhav and Sandeep Deshpande, among others, accompanied him.

Villagers allege lack of consultation

Speaking to Mid-Day, Avinash Jadhav, who has been in Karjat for the past three days, said, "Thousands of trees have already been felled, destroying a rich forest cover that supports local biodiversity. During his visit, Raj Saheb interacted with tribals and gram sabha members, who told him they were not consulted before work began. He will address a public rally in Karjat this evening."

Aaditya Thackeray visited the site on Monday

On Monday, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, along with party MP Sanjay Raut and other party leaders, had also visited the site and interacted with villagers.