Representational image of tree felling in a forest area amid concerns over the environmental impact of the proposed Karjat hydroelectric project. (DC File image)

Differences within the ruling Mahayuti government have come to the fore with the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) spokesperson Suraj Chavan publicly opposing the massive tree cutting in the eco-sensitive Karjat-Bhimashankar forest region for the proposed hydroelectric project. While stating that the party is not against overall development, Chavan emphasized the critical need to preserve ecological balance.

His statements are seen as a significant development as it is the first time a leader from the ruling Mahayuti coalition has publicly criticized the state-approved project. Despite being a member of the ruling coalition, Chavan has broken ranks with the official stance to advocate against environmental destruction. He stated that cutting down old trees is completely unacceptable, especially given the state’s ongoing struggle with drought conditions.

The NCP leader also expressed his belief that Ajit Pawar would also have opposed the project. “On one hand we promote planting trees, and on the other, we cut them down. This is not right. Had Ajit Pawar been present today, he too would have opposed this project,” Chavan said.

Chavan demanded that the government should explore moving the project to alternative arid zones like Marathwada or Vidarbha, where large-scale deforestation would not be required.

“Instead of destroying the dense, old-growth forests of Bhimashankar, the government should consider relocating the infrastructure project to Marathwada or other drought-prone areas, because there will be no felling of trees there. We are currently facing a drought. Nature should not be harmed while we face this crisis. The same project should be implemented elsewhere,” said Chavan.

The proposed hydroelectric project at Karjat in Raigad district is mired in controversy with concerns being raised over ‘rampant’ cutting of hundreds of trees and environmental damages. The Saidongar-1 Pumped Storage Project, adjacent to the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, is a proposed 3,000-MW hydroelectric power plant developed by Gujarat-based Torrent Power Ltd.

More than 32,000 old-growth trees are slated to be felled in the ecologically sensitive Bhimashankar-Karjat forest area for his project, which is expected to contribute to grid reliability and energy security in the state and other regions. It envisages an investment of Rs 13,505 crore.

Following intensifying public backlash and ground tension, the Maharashtra Forest Department has temporarily halted the tree-cutting process.

However, both the state government and Torrent Power clarified that the project is completely outside the Eco-Sensitive Zone and sits roughly 16 km away from the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary boundary. The Forest Department confirmed that no ‘illegal’ tree cutting has occurred.

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