AMID growing opposition to the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/raigad-tree-felling-maharashtra-minister-ashish-shelar-assures-environment-friendly-practices-for-torrent-project-23656845" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">proposed felling of over 32,000 trees</a> for a hydropower project in Raigad, Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on Sunday said he was exploring ways to preserve more trees and increase compensatory plantation.
<img src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/nov/Ganesh-Naik_1793575796_s.jpg" alt="" />
Speaking to reporters, Naik said, &ldquo;Approval for Torrent Power&rsquo;s 3000 MW Saidongar-I pumped storage project near Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in Karjat was granted before I took charge of the forest department. I am <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/karjat-tree-felling-32490-trees-to-be-cut-for-3000-mw-pumped-storage-project-in-maharashtra-23656793" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">looking into how maximum trees can be preserved at the site and how more trees can be planted in their place</a>.&rdquo;
<h2>Project details</h2>
Developed by Torrent Power at an estimated cost of R13,500 crore, <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/karjat-tree-felling-row-sanjay-raut-questions-maharashtra-forest-dept-order-to-fell-32490-trees-in-karjat-23657252" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">the project has triggered protests over the proposed felling of 32,000 trees</a>. The state has defended it as essential for clean energy and power storage.&nbsp;
<h2>Local concerns</h2>
Environmental groups, including NatConnect Foundation and Vanashakti, have raised concerns over forest loss, wildlife habitats, water security and the 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.
<h2>Government backing</h2>
<img src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/nov/Fadnavis_1793575810_s.jpg" alt="Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. FILE PIC" width="1280" height="720" /> Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. FILE PIC
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, but said the government was willing to hear genuine concerns and consider better alternatives.
<img src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/nov/Meghana-Bordikar_1793575822_s.jpg" alt="Minister of State for Power Meghana Bordikar. Pic/X/@MeghnaBordikar" width="1280" height="720" /> Minister of State for Power Meghana Bordikar. &nbsp;Pic/X/@MeghnaBordikar
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 has maintained that the project is outside the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone.
<h2>Political opposition</h2>
<img src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/nov/Aaditya-Rohit_1793575836_s.jpg" alt="Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray; (right) NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar. FILE PICS" width="1280" height="720" />Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray; (right) NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar. FILE PICS
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and NCP (SP)MLA Rohit Pawar have raised concerns over the proposed tree felling, forest diversion and the impact on biodiversity and local livelihoods. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray also visited the project area and met with the residents.
Rs 13,500 cr Estimated cost of the project
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

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