Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Defends ₹30,000 Crore Karjat Hydropower Project, Highlights Clean Energy and Tree Plantation Plans

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has defended Torrent Power’s proposed ₹30,000 crore pumped-storage hydropower project in Karjat, Raigad district, rejecting Opposition allegations over tree felling. The state government says the project will strengthen Maharashtra’s clean energy capacity, attract major investment, create employment opportunities, and support the growing demand for electricity.

Fadnavis said the project would be developed within the legal framework, with appropriate measures to address environmental concerns and protect the interests of affected communities. He also emphasized that development should benefit the state while ensuring that people’s livelihoods are not put at risk.

₹30,000 Crore Investment to Strengthen Maharashtra’s Clean Energy Future

The proposed project is expected to generate 12,000 MW of power using pumped-storage technology. This system can help store energy and make electricity available when demand rises, supporting the integration of renewable energy into the power grid.

According to the state government, the project will help Maharashtra meet its future electricity needs while reducing dependence on coal-based power generation. The planned investment of ₹30,000 crore is also expected to support economic activity and create opportunities for local businesses and workers.

Fadnavis criticized what he described as a misleading narrative surrounding the project, stating that development initiatives should be assessed on the basis of facts, legal requirements, and their long-term benefits for Maharashtra.

Government Announces Plan to Plant 90,000 Trees

Addressing concerns about the environmental impact, the government highlighted a tree plantation plan involving 90,000 trees. According to the state government, the proposed project will require 233 hectares of land, while Torrent Power has handed over 253 hectares to the Forest Department.

Under the plantation plan, Torrent Power will plant 60,000 trees, while the Forest Department will plant an additional 30,000 trees. The initiative is intended to support compensatory afforestation as part of the project's environmental measures.

The government has also stated that the project site is located approximately 16 kilometers from Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and 20 kilometers from the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple. It maintains that the site falls outside the notified Eco-Sensitive Zone.

These details form part of the government's response to concerns raised by environmental activists and Opposition parties. The project's environmental impact and the implementation of its safeguards remain important considerations as the proposal moves forward.

Karjat Hydropower Project Could Reduce Coal Use and Water Consumption

The state government has highlighted the potential environmental benefits of the proposed pumped-storage project. According to its estimates, the project could help avoid the annual burning of approximately 4.6 million tonnes of coal.

The government also estimates that the project could save around 19.7 billion liters of cooling water annually, an amount it says is comparable to the yearly water requirements of approximately 400,000 people.

Pumped-storage hydropower can help balance electricity supply by storing energy when demand is lower and releasing it when demand increases. This capability can support the wider use of renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power, whose output varies with weather conditions and the time of day.

The project is therefore being presented by the state government as an important step toward improving energy storage capacity and supporting Maharashtra's long-term electricity requirements.

Fadnavis Says Public Interests and Livelihoods Must Be Protected

Fadnavis said the project had been planned with the interests of different sections of society in mind. He added that appropriate rehabilitation measures would be considered if anyone's livelihood was affected.

The Chief Minister also maintained that the project would be implemented in accordance with the law. His response comes amid continuing debate over the balance between infrastructure development, environmental protection, and the concerns of local communities.

The government has emphasized the project's expected contribution to investment, employment, energy security, and cleaner electricity generation. At the same time, concerns about tree felling and the region's ecological importance continue to shape the public discussion.

Political Debate Continues Over the Karjat Project

The proposed development has attracted criticism from Opposition parties and environmental activists concerned about the potential impact on trees and the surrounding region.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has also indicated plans to intensify its opposition. MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande said party chief Raj Thackeray would visit the affected areas and address a public meeting in Karjat on October 27.

As the debate continues, the proposed Torrent Power project remains at the center of discussions about Maharashtra's energy future. The state government is highlighting its potential to deliver large-scale energy storage, attract substantial investment, and support cleaner power generation, while environmental safeguards and the concerns of affected communities remain key issues in the ongoing discussion.