Fadnavis defends Karjat pumped storage project, urges people not to spread misinformation

Torrent Power's proposed pumped storage energy project in Karjat taluka of Raigad district has stirred up politics. The opposition and people working for the environment allege that trees will be felled on a large scale for the project. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded to the controversy and backed the project.

Fadnavis said the Karjat pumped storage project is beneficial for the environment. He criticised the opposition's allegations. He said it was not right to oppose development work merely for political self-interest.

The government says the project will not affect anyone's livelihood. The Chief Minister nonetheless assured that if anyone's livelihood is affected, their rehabilitation will be properly considered. The government has also said the project will be completed within the bounds of the law.

According to information given by the government, the project is expected to bring in an investment of about Rs 30,000 crore. It is claimed that Maharashtra will get 12,000 megawatts of power from it. The government made it clear that this is a Maharashtra project, not a Gujarat one, and that the benefits of investment, jobs and power generation will go to the state.

On land, it was stated that the project will require 233 hectares. The government claims that in exchange, the company has given the forest department 253 hectares of land. The plan is to plant a total of 90,000 trees in the area, of which Torrent Power will plant 60,000 and the forest department 30,000.

According to the government, the project is 16 km from the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and 20 km from the Jyotirlinga temple.

The government also claims the project will reduce coal burning, carbon emissions and water use. However, the questions raised about tree felling, the local environment and rehabilitation are also important. Official documents on the project's environmental impact, the required clearances and actual implementation on the ground will therefore need to come out along with its benefits.