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Tiger Corridor Cleared for Power Lines, Thousands of Trees Cut
27 Oct
Summary
- Over 32,000 trees were cut for a hydroelectric project.
- A new power line project will fell 5,152 trees in a tiger corridor.
- Wildlife board approved multiple projects impacting forests and wildlife.
The State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) has sanctioned a new 400-kV power line project by Adani Power, which necessitates clearing 5,152 trees in a vital tiger corridor. This corridor links the Navegaon Nagzira, Pench, Kanha, and Indravati tiger reserves. The approval follows widespread protests against a separate hydroelectric project that resulted in the felling of over 32,000 trees in Karjat.
Adani Power has been instructed to deposit ₹447 lakh for mitigation efforts related to the tree felling. The project is deemed crucial by the Central Electricity Authority for ensuring a reliable supply of 1,600 MW of thermal power to Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). Despite environmental concerns, the SBWL recommended the proposal to the Centre with specific conditions.
This decision by the SBWL follows a pattern of approving projects that impact ecologically sensitive areas. Previously, the board approved a project involving the cutting of 71 trees in a tiger corridor within the Painganga Wildlife Reserve and a manganese mine project in Bhandara, though officials claimed no trees would be cut for the latter. Environmentalists are concerned about the fragmentation of tiger habitats, especially as the tiger population in Vidarbha grows.
In a contrasting move, the SBWL also approved several pro-environment initiatives. These include declaring an expanded area near the Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary as a wildlife sanctuary and incorporating revenue and private lands to facilitate the relocation of human settlements from the area. Additionally, proposals for 14 conservation reserves across various districts and the designation of critical wildlife habitats for Koka and Jayakwadi Wildlife Sanctuaries received board approval.
