Forests are not just a home for wildlife but also a source of livelihood for many people. However, development often comes at a cost, putting these forests at risk. Now, a major hydropower project in Karjat, Maharashtra, has led to the felling of thousands of trees near Mumbai. Scroll down to know its impact!
How Many Trees Are Cut In Maharashtra?
Around 100 km from Mumbai, over 1,100 trees have been cut on Saidongar hill for a 3,000-MW pumped-storage hydropower plant. The project is planned at a cost of ₹13,505 crore and aims to become operational by 2029. According to The Indian Express, it requires 377 hectares of land with the Sahyadri range in Raigad district, and more than 32,000 trees need to be removed.
However, villagers protested, bringing the tree-felling work to a temporary halt. Six hamlets, namely Saidongar, Dhak, Pali, Potal, Ambot and Bhaliwadi, are located around the hill. Around 150 families, mostly from the Katkari tribal community, depend on this forest for their daily needs.
The forest also has several medicinal plants like neem, gulvel (giloy) and adulsa (Malabar nut). Villagers use these plants to treat fever, breathing problems, dental issues and wounds. One of the major concerns is that these families were not included in the Forest Rights Act, 2006, process, which gives communities the right to claim forest land and resources they have traditionally depended on. However, the Pali Gram Sabha did not submit records of families using the forest. As a result, there is no clarity on whether these families will receive compensation or rehabilitation.
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How It Can Affect Rainfall In Tamil Nadu?
Though the trees are being cut near Mumbai, it can have a severe effect on Tamil Nadu. Scientists have highlighted a major impact of deforestation. As per The Indian Express report, a 2018 study by IIT Bombay and CSIR researchers revealed that moisture from the Western Ghats helps bring rainfall to Tamil Nadu and the Cauvery basin. However, cutting down these trees could mean less rain and water for Tamil Nadu and nearby regions.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has supported the project. According to him, it will help reduce the state’s dependence on coal-based electricity.
How do you think cutting trees is affecting the atmosphere? Tell us in the comments below!
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Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Serhii Barkanov (Representative Image)
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