Fadnavis calls Karjat pumped storage project eco-friendly, says opponents spread false narrative

Torrent Power's hydroelectric energy storage project has been proposed in Karjat taluka of Raigad district, and the political temperature has risen over it. Opponents and environmentalists had alleged that trees were being felled on a large scale for the project and had targeted the government on that count. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has now replied directly and rejected the allegations.

Fadnavis said the Karjat pumped storage project is entirely environment-friendly and that opponents are only spreading a fake narrative. He said creating a false narrative is working against Maharashtra.

The Chief Minister assured that nobody's livelihood would be lost because of the project. If such a situation ever arose, their rehabilitation would be given proper consideration. He also promised that the entire project would be completed within the bounds of the law.

Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said, "This project has been planned only after considering all sections of society. But if this development project is being opposed merely for political self-interest, that is utterly wrong."

Following the opponents' allegations, the state government has released some key information on the ground reality of the project. According to the government, this is a Maharashtra project, not a Gujarat one. The investment, jobs and electricity it generates will all go to Maharashtra.

The government says the project will bring an investment of Rs 30,000 crore and give Maharashtra 12,000 MW of clean power. It is based on solar energy, not coal, so it will not harm the environment and will prove environment-friendly.

On the trees, the government said the project will need 233 hectares of land, while the company has already handed 253 hectares to the forest department. In this area, Torrent will plant 60,000 and the forest department 30,000 new trees, 90,000 in all.

According to the government, the project is 16 km from the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and 20 km from the Jyotirlinga temple. The entire area lies outside the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ).

On pollution and water, the government said the project will avert, every year, pollution equivalent to burning 4.6 million tonnes of coal and the carbon emissions of 4 million vehicles. It will also save 19.7 billion litres of cooling water a year, enough for 400,000 people.