Maharashtra Minister Pledges Tree Preservation Amid Project Controversy
Maharashtra's Forest Minister explores options to protect trees as protests escalate over a hydropower project in Raigad.
Over 32,000 trees are at risk due to a proposed hydropower project.
Minister Ganesh Naik is reviewing the project for potential tree preservation.
Environmental groups and local leaders express concerns over biodiversity and livelihoods.
In response to mounting protests regarding the planned removal of over 32,000 trees for a hydropower initiative in Raigad district, Maharashtra's Forest Minister Ganesh Naik has announced his commitment to exploring methods for tree preservation and compensatory planting. Speaking to the media on Sunday, Naik emphasized that the approval for Torrent Power's 3,000 MW Saidongar-I pumped storage project was granted prior to his tenure in the Forest Department, and he is currently assessing the project's implications.
The Saidongar-I project, which is expected to cost around Rs 13,500 crore, has sparked significant public outcry due to its environmental ramifications, particularly concerning the felling of trees and the diversion of forest land. Naik stated, "I am looking into how maximum trees can be preserved at the site and how more trees can be planted in their place," indicating a proactive approach to address environmental concerns.
The Maharashtra government has defended the project, asserting its necessity for clean energy generation and effective power storage. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has publicly supported the initiative, highlighting the importance of pumped storage facilities in balancing renewable energy sources like solar and wind. He characterized opposition to the project as politically motivated but expressed openness to addressing legitimate concerns.
Opposition figures, including Aaditya Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Rohit Pawar of NCP (SP), have voiced strong objections regarding the potential ecological damage and the impact on local communities dependent on forest resources. Environmental organizations such as NatConnect Foundation and Vanashakti have also raised alarms about the loss of wildlife habitats and water security in the Western Ghats region.
Local resistance has been notable, with villagers from Saidongar, Pali, and surrounding areas fearing the loss of their livelihoods and potential displacement. As the situation develops, the state government faces increasing pressure to balance energy needs with environmental protection and community welfare.
