Overview
- A Maharashtra Forest Department order dated October 14 authorised the felling of 32,490 trees and diversion of 233 hectares for the Saidongar‑I pumped‑storage project, and videos and local reports show tree‑cutting started on October 24–25.
- The Union environment ministry is reported to have given final clearance in early October, with one official report citing approval for the felling of up to 48,000 trees, producing a public dispute over the exact number of trees affected.
- Torrent Power is proposing a 3,000 MW off‑stream pumped‑storage scheme that stores energy by pumping water uphill at low demand and releasing it to generate power at peak demand; the company and state say the project will boost grid reliability and renewable integration.
- Local residents, environmental groups and opposition leaders have mounted sustained protests and political condemnation, citing risks to wildlife, medicinal plants, hill stability and Adivasi livelihoods given the site’s proximity to the Sahyadri ridge and Bhimashankar area.
- The Maharashtra government defends the project as legally cleared and economically beneficial, promises 90,000 compensatory saplings and land transfers, and has a foundation event reported for early November that has intensified mobilisation and calls for formal review.