Forest dept denies illegal felling in Bhimashankar sanctuary after Rohit Pawar's allegations

Pune: The forest department clarified on Saturday that trees are not being cut illegally inside the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. A day earlier, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar had alleged that thousands of trees were being felled in the nearby Saindongar forest for a pumped-storage hydropower project. The department's clarification followed.

Pune Conservator of Forests Ashish Thackeray issued a press release. He said reports circulating on social media and elsewhere for the past two to three days were false. The department said, "No such illegal tree felling is taking place inside the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary." It appealed to people to take note of the clarification and cooperate with the administration.

However, the department's release refers only to the sanctuary. Pawar's allegations concern the Saindongar forest area in Karjat taluka of Raigad district, which adjoins the sanctuary. The release says nothing on whether trees are being cut in that adjoining area.

In a social media post, Pawar claimed that more than 32,000 trees were being cut on more than 233 hectares of forest land in the Saindongar area. He warned that the felling could harm wildlife habitats, biodiversity and the environment.

He said the forest is home to barking deer, the Indian giant squirrel, leopards, wild boar, otters and many species of birds. He feared the felling could destroy birds' nests, eggs and chicks. Medicinal plants and the entire local ecosystem could also be at risk.

Pawar also raised concern about blasting during tunnel construction. According to him, it could weaken parts of the hills. Speaking of the dangers of development in environmentally sensitive areas, he cited the Malin and Irshalwadi disasters. His claims have not been independently verified.

Pawar said he is not against the hydropower project or the company linked to it. His objection is to the project site, which he described as environmentally sensitive. He wants the project moved to a location where the environment can be protected from damage.

He demanded that the government reconsider the site. He also appealed to the public, environmental organisations and the media to raise their voices about the possible impact on forests and local communities.

Pawar also claimed that the Prime Minister is due to inaugurate the project on November 3. He asked whether development should come at the cost of saving forests.