NGT issues notice on clearance to fell 32,490 trees for Karjat pumped storage project

The Western Zone bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Pune has issued notice in the matter of the proposed 3000 MW Saidongar-1 pumped storage project at Karjat in Raigad district. The notice follows an appeal by advocate Sagar K. Deore, which challenges the diversion of 233 hectares of forest land for the project and the permission to fell 32,490 trees.

Advocate Maitreya Ghorpade appeared for the appellant and made submissions. The appeal raises serious environmental and legal questions about forest conservation, compliance with the Forest Rights Act, objections from gram sabhas, the protection of wildlife, and the project's impact on an ecologically sensitive region such as the Western Ghats.

Concern has been raised in particular over Schedule 1 wildlife species. These include the Shekru (Indian giant squirrel), Maharashtra's state animal. The appeal says the project threatens to fragment its forest habitat.

Deore said, "The issuing of notice means that judicial consideration of these environmental concerns has begun. The appeal seeks scrutiny of the statutory clearances and protection of the ecosystem of the affected forest. This fight is to protect the rights of forests, wildlife and local communities, not against responsible development."

The project is also being opposed on the ground. The Karjat Taluka Paryavaran Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, together with farmers, tribal communities and local residents, has strongly opposed the Saidongar-1 (3000 MW) and Saidongar-2 pumped storage hydropower projects. On Thursday, November 5, the samiti submitted a detailed memorandum to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis through the Karjat tehsildar. It demands that both projects be cancelled permanently.

The dispute stems from a letter dated October 14, 2026 from the Range Forest Officer, Karjat East. The letter directed that 32,490 trees be felled immediately for the proposed pumped storage project. The project spans the villages of Pali, Kotal Khalti, Saidongar and Dhak in Karjat taluka.

According to government documents, a total of 233 hectares of forest land will have to be diverted for the project. This comprises 197.0272 hectares of reserve forest, 26.066 hectares of private forest and 9.9068 hectares of protected forest.