Maharashtra's Ashish Shelar Promises Green Compliance for All Projects
Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar assures that all industrial projects will adhere to environmental standards amid tree-felling controversies.
Ashish Shelar confirms adherence to green norms for all industrial projects in Maharashtra.
Environmental activists and opposition parties criticize tree felling for Torrent Power's hydro-energy project.
Union Environment Ministry approved the project, allowing the felling of 48,000 trees on 233 hectares.
In a recent statement, Maharashtra's Minister for Information Technology and AI, Ashish Shelar, emphasized that all industrial projects in the state will strictly follow environmental regulations. This assurance comes in light of growing concerns regarding the extensive tree-felling associated with Torrent Power's hydro-energy initiative in Raigad, which has sparked backlash from environmental activists and opposition parties.
The controversy intensified when Aaditya Thackeray, a member of the Shiv Sena (UBT), criticized the Torrent project, alleging that thousands of trees were being cut down without proper permissions from the forest department. Shelar responded by questioning Thackeray's credibility on environmental issues, recalling that during Thackeray's tenure as the state environment minister, significant polluting companies were not held accountable despite warnings from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Shelar acknowledged that he was not fully informed about the specifics of the Torrent project but reiterated that any industry operating in Maharashtra would be required to adhere to environmental norms. The Saidongar-1 Pumped Storage Project, which is set to generate 3,000 MW of hydro-energy, is projected to enhance grid reliability and energy security in the region, with an investment of approximately Rs 13,505 crore.
The opposition's outcry includes concerns from various groups, including the Raj Thackeray-led MNS, who argue that the project prioritizes corporate interests over environmental protection. Kailash More, a leader from the Karjat Paryavaran Bachao Samiti, stated that protests would be organized if the tree-felling activities continued unchecked.
In response to the criticisms, Maharashtra's Minister of State for Power, Meghna Bordikar, defended the project, asserting that it received necessary approvals from the Union Environment Ministry after meeting all stipulated conditions. She urged Thackeray to refrain from spreading misinformation and to recognize the project's significance in addressing Maharashtra's increasing electricity demands.
