Forest Minister Ganesh Naik looking at ways to save trees at Karjat hydro project

Opposition is growing to the decision to fell more than 32,000 trees for a proposed hydroelectric project in Raigad district. Against this backdrop, Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik said on Sunday that he is considering how the maximum number of trees can be saved and how new trees can be planted in return.

Speaking to reporters, Naik clarified that the approval for Torrent Power's 3,000-MW Saidongar-I pumped storage project near the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in Karjat was granted before he took charge of the forest department. He said he is currently reviewing the details of the project.

"I am looking at how the maximum number of trees on this site can be saved and how more trees can be planted in their place," Naik said.

Torrent Power is building the project, whose estimated cost is Rs 13,500 crore. Protests against the project have begun over the felling of more than 32,000 trees and the diversion of forest land. Naik's remarks come as debate over the project's environmental impact intensifies. The state government, on the other hand, has defended the project, saying it is necessary for clean energy generation and power storage.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has backed the project. He says pumped storage facilities will be useful in balancing solar and wind power generation, which does not stay constant, and in supplying electricity at times of peak demand. He said the opposition was politically motivated, but added that the government is ready to listen to genuine concerns and consider better alternatives.

Minister of State for Energy Meghna Bordikar has also supported the project. She said the project was cleared only after the conditions laid down by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests were met. Torrent Power has maintained its position that the project lies outside the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone.

Opposition leaders, however, have voiced concern. Aaditya Thackeray of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Rohit Pawar, MLA of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), have pointed to the proposed tree felling, the use of forest land, and the possible impact on biodiversity and local livelihoods. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray visited the project area and spoke to residents.

Several environmental organisations, including NatConnect Foundation and Vanashakti, have raised concerns about forest loss, wildlife habitats, water security and the environmental impact on the Western Ghats.

Villagers from Saidongar, Pali and other affected areas have also opposed the project. They fear losing forest-dependent livelihoods and grazing land, and being displaced.