Navi Mumbai: Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) workers and environmental activists will soon launch a “Chipko-style protest” against tree felling for Torrent Power’s proposed 3,000MW hydropower project at Saidongar in Karjat, Raigad district.“We have given an ultimatum to govt to scrap the project. Else, our Chipko movement will commence,” said PWP spokesperson Chitralekha Patil. Karjat Environmental Protection Committee said protesters will hug trees.PWP general secretary Jayant Patil asked why tribals had faced legal action for cutting a tree while thousands could reportedly be felled for the project.PWP had threatened to show black flags during PM Narendra Modi’s proposed Nov 3 visit to lay the foundation stone for the project unless concerns over forests, water and tribal rights were addressed. Patil claimed the visit had been cancelled following persistent protests, which had led to the halting of the tree cutting plan. Raigad SP Anchal Dalal told TOI that the PM’s visit had not been scheduled.
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Trees on 640 hectares of forest land stand to be affected. Karjat Pyaaryaan Bachao Samiti claims the area has about 3 lakh trees. Patil demanded that the forest department publish permits, orders, environmental clearance conditions and official tree felling figures.
