Protests grow over felling of 32,000 trees for Raigad hydropower project; Naik says he is looking to save more

Opposition is growing to a plan to fell more than 32,000 trees for a proposed hydropower project in Raigad. Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik said on Sunday that he is looking at how more trees can be saved and how more saplings can be planted in their place under compensatory plantation.

Speaking to reporters, Naik said: "The approval for Torrent Power's 3,000 MW Saidongar-I pumped storage project near the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in Karjat had already been given before my forest department took charge. I am looking at how as many trees as possible can be saved at the site and how more trees can be planted in their place."

Torrent Power is building the project at an estimated cost of about Rs 13,500 crore. Protests are being held over the proposed felling of trees. The state government says the project is necessary for clean energy and for storing electricity.

Environmental organisations such as NatConnect Foundation and Vanashakti have raised concerns about loss of forest, wildlife habitats, water security and the environmental impact on the Western Ghats. Villagers in Saidongar, Pali and other affected areas also oppose the project. They fear they will lose their forest-based livelihoods and grazing land, and that displacement could follow.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has backed the project. He says pumped storage facilities will help manage the fluctuations of solar and wind power and meet peak electricity demand. He described the opposition as politically motivated, but also said the government is ready to listen to genuine concerns and consider better alternatives.

Minister of State for Energy Meghna Bordikar also defended the project. According to her, it was approved only after the conditions set by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests were complied with. Torrent Power says the project lies outside the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone.

Political parties have also raised their voices. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar have expressed concern over the felling of trees, the diversion of forest land, and the impact on biodiversity and local employment. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray also visited the project area and met residents.