Jalna / Raigad | November 15, 2026 | News Nation Online
The proposed Torrent Power project in Karjat, Raigad district, has sparked an important debate over development and the protection of mature forests. An eSakal report refers to a proposal involving the cutting of around 70,000 trees and planting 75,000 replacements. The precise numbers, approvals and environmental conditions require official clarification.
Plant First, Protect Until Maturity
Advocate Mahesh Dhannawat of Jalna has urged authorities to reverse the usual sequence of compensatory planting and tree removal. “If 75,000 trees are promised, plant them first. Allow them to attain the age, size and ecological capacity of the trees already standing there. Only then should the project be undertaken. We do not oppose development, but planting saplings after removing mature trees cannot instantly restore what has been lost,” he said, outlining his position.
A Sapling Is Not an Immediate Replacement for a Mature Tree
Established trees store carbon, help protect soil, moderate local conditions and provide habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife. Newly planted saplings cannot immediately deliver equivalent ecological functions. The survival rate of planted trees, selection of native species, long-term maintenance and independent ecological assessments should therefore matter as much as planting targets.
Call for Full Disclosure
Dhannawat called for transparent disclosure of the number, age and species of trees affected, permissions granted, proposed planting sites and the project’s environmental assessments. The energy and employment benefits of the project should be evaluated alongside its impact on local communities, water resources and biodiversity.
His central message: “A tree can be cut down in a day, but replacing a mature tree can take decades. Protect the trees first, and only then build the project.”
Source of the project-related claims: eSakal report. Tree counts are attributed to the report, not independently verified here.
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