Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Advocates for Rs 13,500 Crore Power Project
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defends the controversial pumped-storage hydroelectric project in Raigad, emphasizing its long-term clean energy benefits.
The Rs 13,500 crore project aims to generate 3,000 MW of clean energy.
Fadnavis claims the project will plant 90,000 trees to offset environmental impact.
Critics raise concerns over potential ecological damage and inadequate afforestation measures.
In a recent statement, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has defended the proposed Rs 13,500 crore pumped-storage hydroelectric project by Torrent Power in Raigad district. The project, which aims to generate 3,000 MW of electricity, has sparked controversy due to concerns about its environmental impact, particularly regarding tree felling in the region.
Fadnavis emphasized that the project is designed to provide long-term benefits in clean energy, arguing that any temporary environmental damage during construction is outweighed by the advantages of sustainable power generation. He pointed out that the project site is strategically located 16 kilometers from the Bhima Sankhar forest area and 20 kilometers from the Bhima Shankar temple, mitigating potential ecological risks.
The Chief Minister noted that the project will involve significant afforestation efforts, with plans to plant 90,000 trees, including 30,000 trees funded by the company developing the project. He stated that Maharashtra is becoming a hub for pumped-storage technology, which is essential for ensuring a reliable electricity supply as the state increasingly relies on renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
Despite Fadnavis's assurances, environmentalists and activists have voiced strong opposition, questioning the adequacy of the proposed compensatory afforestation measures. Activist Vijay Kumbhar has raised alarms about the potential loss of 90,000 trees and has criticized the government's previous afforestation commitments, alleging that promised plantation efforts in the Koyna dam region have not been fulfilled. These claims, however, remain unverified.
Looking ahead, the debate surrounding the Karjat power project highlights the broader implications for Maharashtra's energy strategy and environmental policies. As the state considers additional pumped-storage projects, the cumulative impact on local ecosystems and communities will need careful assessment to balance energy needs with ecological preservation.
