Maharashtra Forest Minister Examines Karjat Power Project
The Opposition has also alleged that 32,000 trees in the Karjat-Bhimashankar region are being felled in the name of development: Reports
MUMBAI: Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik has said he is reviewing Torrent Power’s 3,000-MW Saidongar-I pumped storage project near the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in Karjat taluka of Raigad district. He clarified that approval for the project had been granted before he assumed charge of the Forest Department.
The forest minister’s remarks came days after Opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, ruling NCP leader and actor Sayaji Shinde, Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal and NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar, opposed the proposed project.
The Opposition has also alleged that 32,000 trees in the Karjat-Bhimashankar region are being felled in the name of development, causing severe environmental damage. The felling of thousands of mature trees has triggered widespread public anger, with environmental groups also raising serious concerns over biodiversity, forest loss and local livelihoods.
Speaking to reporters, Naik, who is also a senior BJP leader, said, “The project was approved before I became a forest minister. Therefore, I am currently verifying the issue.”
He said efforts were also being made to preserve as many trees as possible at the project site and plant more trees at other locations.
The Forest Minister said he was examining the issue and assured that he would ensure there was no environmental degradation. He added that he would take all necessary steps in the larger interest of society and the country.
Minister of State for Power Meghana Bordikar defended the proposed pumped storage project, saying it would provide clean energy to the state.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also defended the project, saying the environmental damage caused by it would be temporary compared to its long-term benefits in terms of clean energy generation.
Fadnavis had said that 90,000 trees would be planted and twice the project area would be allocated to the Forest Department. He argued that the project would help ensure round-the-clock clean energy.