Mumbai, Ramesh Autade
“First, forests are set on fire, then official records show fewer trees, and finally thousands of trees are felled under the pretext that only a small number have been cut. This destruction of nature will no longer be tolerated,” said renowned actor and environmental activist Sayaji Shinde, sharply criticising the government’s approach to environmental protection.
Shinde addressed a press conference to oppose the proposed tree felling in the ecologically sensitive Bhimashankar forest region for a power project proposed by Torrent Power in the Pali area of Karjat taluka. He raised concerns over the environmental impact of the project, the loss of forest cover and the potential displacement of local tribal communities.
“What Will You Tell the Shekru and the Peacock?”
Speaking with emotion and determination, Shinde questioned the rationale behind cutting down mature trees and replacing them with young saplings as compensation.
“Cutting down large trees that have survived for generations and claiming that planting small saplings will compensate for the loss is sheer foolishness. The Bhimashankar forest is rich in biodiversity. What will you tell the Shekru, Maharashtra’s state animal, and the peacock? Will you tell them that their homes are going to be destroyed? Does the government have any answers about the fate of the wildlife living there?” he asked.
Questioning the project’s objectives, Shinde said there was a lack of clarity about its precise nature and potential consequences. He alleged that three villages and the surrounding natural environment were being put at risk in the name of facilitating an industrial project.
Concerns Over Displacement of Tribal Communities
Shinde also expressed concern over the possible displacement of local tribal residents from their ancestral habitats.
“Tribal communities are being pushed off their lands and towards urban areas. They are reportedly being offered ₹20 lakh each as compensation. But can anyone rebuild an entire life with ₹20 lakh? How can generations of connection with nature be measured in monetary terms?” he asked.
He emphasised that the relationship between tribal communities and their natural surroundings extends beyond land ownership, encompassing their livelihoods, traditions and cultural identity.
Local Resident Recounts Tree-Felling Incident
Local resident Prasad Deshmukh shared his account of the incident, alleging that tree felling began on October 20, coinciding with the Dussehra festival.
“While the entire state was celebrating the festival, the first axe fell on this forest. Hearing the loud noise of tree-cutting machinery, we rushed to the spot and witnessed trees being felled one after another,” Deshmukh said.
His account reflected the anger among local residents, who have raised concerns about the manner in which the tree-felling activity was allegedly initiated.
Environmentalists Warn of Statewide Protest
The Bhimashankar region holds considerable ecological, tourism and religious significance. Environmental activists and local residents have strongly opposed the proposed power project, citing concerns over forest destruction, biodiversity loss and the impact on communities living in the area.
Through the press conference, the protesters called for an immediate halt to the tree-felling activity and urged the authorities to review the project’s environmental implications. They warned that failure to stop the felling could trigger a statewide agitation.
Shinde’s call for collective action, including a symbolic protest involving the beating of plates (thali), seeks to draw public attention to the protection of forests, wildlife and the rights of local communities.
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