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Maharashtra power project sparks controversy over tree felling
A proposed 3,000-MW pumped-storage hydropower project by Torrent Power in the Karjat area of Maharashtra's Raigad district has triggered intense political and environmental protests. The project, located near the Bhimashankar forest and wildlife sanctuary, involves the planned felling of over 32,000 trees across approximately 370 hectares of land.
Opposition leaders, including Aaditya Thackeray of the Shiv Sena (UBT), have criticized the clearance, alleging that rich forest cover is being sacrificed for a Gujarat-based company. Environmental activists, led by actor Sayaji Shinde, have also voiced concerns regarding the lack of transparency and the potential destruction of wildlife habitats. Shinde has specifically rejected proposals to replace large trees with smaller ones.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has defended the initiative, stating the project is eco-friendly and essential for meeting Maharashtra’s rising peak-hour power demands and integrating renewable energy. The project, known as the Saidongar-1 Pumped Storage Project, involves an estimated investment of Rs 13,505 crore and is designed to enhance grid reliability and energy security.
Entities
Aaditya Thackeray · Devendra Fadnavis · Raigad · Sayaji Shinde · Torrent Power Ltd
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The project requires the felling of more than 32,000 trees. www.zoomnews.in · newsable.asianetnews.com · www.deccanchronicle.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The project site is located near the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga and Bhimashankar forest. www.zoomnews.in · www.deccanchronicle.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Sayaji Shinde opposed the proposal to replace large trees with smaller ones. newsable.asianetnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Forest Department issued orders to clear trees across 370 hectares of land on October 10. www.deccanchronicle.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the project as necessary for meeting peak-hour power demand. www.zoomnews.in · www.deccanchronicle.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The project involves an investment of Rs 13,505 crore. www.deccanchronicle.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Aaditya Thackeray criticized the project for being a slaughter of natural bounty in the Saydongar area. www.deccanchronicle.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Torrent Power is developing a 3,000-MW pumped-storage hydropower project in Karjat, Raigad district. www.zoomnews.in · newsable.asianetnews.com · www.deccanchronicle.com