States » WestPosted at: Oct 26 2026 7:37PM


Maha: Aaditya Thackeray slams CM Fadnavis over Karjat hydro project

Mumbai, Oct 26 (UNI) Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray today launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over Torrent Power's proposed pumped-storage hydroelectric energy project in Karjat taluka of Raigad district, escalating a major political clash over environment and development in Maharashtra.
Calling out the state government for labelling project opponents as "anti-Maharashtrian" and spinners of "fake narratives",,Thackeray turned the table on the Chief Minister, declaring: "Those who destroy Maharashtra's forests and uproot tribal hamlets are the true anti-Maharashtrians."
The opposition leader stressed that while his party does not oppose industrial investment or development, it will not permit ecological destruction or the forced displacement of indigenous villagers under the guise of progress. Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also targeted the ruling dispensation over ecological degradation.
Rejecting government assurances that 90,000 new saplings would be planted to offset mass tree-felling, Thackeray asserted that fresh plantations can never compensate for the loss of ancient, bio-diverse forests.
Citing the clearance of trees for the Aarey Metro car shed, the young Shiv Sena (UBT) leader challenged the government to conduct an on-ground inspection to reveal where compensatory trees were planted and how many survived.
Recalling the Chief Minister's pledge at Mumbai Climate Week to plant 3 billion trees, Thackeray threw a direct challenge: "Show us on the ground where these 3 billion trees have been planted."
He accused the government of compromising eco-sensitive zones, including Kandivali’s mangroves, tiger corridors in Chandrapur, and vital forest cover along the Sahyadri range (Western Ghats).
Addressing claims from government quarters regarding alternative site evaluations and prior hearings, Thackeray called for complete administrative transparency:
1. Disclosure of Site Selection Data: Demand for public release of all consultant reports detailing why Karjat was selected over other potential geographical locations across the state.
2. Challenge to Open Debate: Thackeray challenged CM Fadnavis and heads of relevant government departments to sit down for a live, transparent discussion alongside a fresh public hearing.
3. Local Objections Ignored: Referring to the 18-month consultation process cited by officials, Thackeray pointed out that local sarpanches, villagers, and tribal communities had raised strong objections during this period, demanding that all public submissions be made public.
Clarifying his position on the project developer, Thackeray stated he has no personal or commercial conflict with Torrent Power, reiterating support for state industrial growth provided it does not involve bulldozing tribal hamlets. He severely criticized local MLAs for prioritizing business interests over constituent welfare while displacement threatens local hamlets.
Thackeray also took a swipe at the administration over delays in infrastructure projects like the Hinjewadi Metro and responded to criticism from BJP leader Medha Kulkarni by offering to sit down for an open, paper-backed debate on environmental facts.
Warning that ongoing protests in Karjat are "just the beginning", the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader vowed to escalate agitation alongside local villagers to protect forest lands and tribal rights.
UNI NEP SS
Tags: #Maha: Aaditya Thackeray slams CM Fadnavis over Karjat hydro project
More News

Keshav Upadhye defends Torrent Power project, accuses Opposition of hindering Maha’s development

26 Oct 2026 | 7:51 PM

Pune, Oct 26 (UNI) Maharashtra BJP vice-president Keshav Upadhye on Monday defended the proposed Torrent Power pumped-storage project in Raigad district stating that it would help meet the state's growing electricity demand, and accused opposition leaders of misleading people by raising environmental concerns.

see more..

Maha: Aaditya Thackeray slams CM Fadnavis over Karjat hydro project

26 Oct 2026 | 7:37 PM

Mumbai, Oct 26 (UNI) Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray today launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over Torrent Power's proposed pumped-storage hydroelectric energy project in Karjat taluka of Raigad district, escalating a major political clash over environment and development in Maharashtra. .

see more..

Air India to shift flight operations to Navi Mumbai Airport from December

26 Oct 2026 | 7:33 PM

Mumbai, Oct 26 (UNI) Air India Group and Adani Airports have announced a phased transition of flight operations from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai Airport.

see more..

Maharashtra Govt sets up SIT led by IPS Shailesh Balkawade to probe alleged Rs 500-Crore audio clip

26 Oct 2026 | 6:53 PM

Mumbai, Oct 26 (UNI) Following directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Maharashtra government on Monday constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the controversial Rs 500-crore audio clip released by Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil. .

see more..

Maha: Shinde directs ministers to work on ground for farmers; Bharat Gogawale to tour Marathwada

26 Oct 2026 | 6:16 PM

Mumbai, Oct 26 (UNI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde today directed all ministers to visit the drought-hit districts in the state and work actively for farmers affected by the prevailing agrarian crisis.

see more..