Aaditya Thackeray Criticizes Tree Felling Plans in Karjat
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray condemns CM Fadnavis for proposed tree felling for a hydroelectric project in Maharashtra.
Thackeray claims 4-5 lakh trees may be cut for the Karjat project.
He challenges the government's environmental claims regarding the project.
Local protests highlight concerns over the ecological impact of tree felling.
In a strong critique of the Maharashtra government's plans, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of jeopardizing the state's ecological balance by endorsing large-scale tree felling for a hydroelectric power project in Karjat, Raigad district. Thackeray asserted that the project could lead to the destruction of approximately 4-5 lakh trees, which he described as a move towards turning Maharashtra into a desert. He made these remarks during a press conference at Hinjewadi IT Park in Pune, where he announced his intention to visit Karjat to engage with local villagers about their opposition to the project.
Thackeray's comments come amid growing concerns about environmental degradation linked to infrastructure projects in Maharashtra. He criticized the government's assertion that the Karjat hydroelectric project is environmentally friendly, demanding transparency on how it aligns with ecological preservation. He referenced a previous announcement by Fadnavis regarding the planting of 300 crore trees, questioning the lack of progress on this initiative and the whereabouts of these trees.
The MLA also raised alarms about the environmental clearances granted for various development projects, which he claims have led to significant ecological damage, including the destruction of mangroves and the reduction of buffer zones around Ramsar sites. He noted that large-scale deforestation has been allowed in the Western Ghats, a region recognized for its ecological sensitivity, and cited reports of lost tiger corridors in Gadchiroli and Chandrapur, despite evidence of wildlife presence in these areas.
The impact of the proposed tree felling has sparked local protests, particularly in Chakan, where residents voiced their opposition to the project. Protesters, including local resident Pratik Jadhav, highlighted discrepancies in the government's estimates of the number of trees to be cut, asserting that the actual figures could be much higher than the 35,000 reported. Jadhav emphasized the irreplaceable nature of ancient trees, some of which are 400-500 years old, and called for a halt to the project to protect the environment.
Looking ahead, Thackeray announced that his uncle, MNS chief Raj Thackeray, would also visit Karjat to meet with villagers and discuss their concerns. As the debate over the hydroelectric project intensifies, local residents are determined to advocate for environmental preservation and ensure that development does not come at the expense of Maharashtra's natural heritage.
