Maharashtra Green Cover Threatened by Hydropower Project Ahead of Prime Minister's Visit

The Maharashtra government has granted clearance for the diversion of 233 hectares of forest land to accommodate the Saidongar‑I Karjat pumped storage hydroelectric venture, a project valued at more than ₹13,500 crore. The approval, disclosed through a letter presented by a regional political figure, authorises the removal of an estimated 32,000 trees, a move that coincides with the scheduled visit of the prime minister to the region. Proponents argue that the facility will bolster renewable energy capacity and provide grid stability, yet the scale of arboreal loss has sparked alarm.

Underlying this development is a clash between the state's energy ambitions and the mandates of forest conservation law. Critics contend that the expedited clearance bypassed comprehensive environmental impact assessments, undermining procedural safeguards designed to protect biodiversity. The timing of the decision, aligned with a high‑profile political visit, fuels suspicion of political expediency outweighing ecological prudence. Local activists have highlighted the potential disruption to wildlife corridors and the loss of carbon sequestration services provided by the forest.

The immediate consequences will be felt by communities dependent on the forest for livelihood and cultural practices, as well as by the broader ecological network. Should the tree felling proceed, the region may experience heightened soil erosion, altered microclimates, and a setback to Maharashtra's climate mitigation commitments. In the longer term, the controversy could galvanise civil society movements demanding stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, influencing future infrastructure approvals across the country.