A purported order to fell 32,490 trees for a hydropower project near the eco-sensitive region of Maharashtra’s Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary has sparked fresh criticism from Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who linked the directive to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit next month.
Raut on Tuesday shared on X a letter purportedly issued by a forest official that called for the diversion of 233 hectares of land ahead of the November 3 ground-breaking ceremony for the Rs 13,505-crore Saidongar-I Karjat Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project in Raigad district.
As per the letter, the project involves clearing 197 hectares of reserved forest, 26 hectares of private forest, and nine hectares of protected forest land in Karjat to set up the 3,000 MW facility.
In his X post, Raut says, "Fadnavis, speak up now!...The forest, water, and land don't belong to BJP's father!"
The Opposition and green activists have slammed the felling of trees for Gujarat-based Torrent Power's project, accusing the Mahayuti government of destroying forests and wildlife.
The Sanctuary was primarily established to preserve Indian Giant Squirrel which is strictly arboreal, living its entire life high up in the forest canopy and almost never touching the ground. The felling of trees would strike a devastating blow to these creatures.
The proposed facility is 16 km from Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and 20 km from Bhimashankar Temple. At an investment of Rs 13,505 crore, it is expected to contribute to grid reliability and energy security in the state and other regions.
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According to the letter issued by Karjat East Range Forest Officer Sameer Shinde, the tree felling must be strictly restricted to the 32,490 trees approved under the diversion proposal.
"In view of the proposed visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 3, 2026, for the project's inauguration ceremony, the affected trees within the project area should be removed immediately," the letter shared by Raut stated.
The Sena (UBT) leader also targeted senior lawyer and BJP-nominated Rajya Sabha MP Ujjwal Nikam for supporting the venture, stating that he should advocate for the public rather than back those destroying green cover.