Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Forest Clearing for Igatpuri Hydroelectric Project Draws Objections
A hydroelectric power project is planned in a forest in Igatpuri.
To make room for it, 6,234 trees across about 155 acres are set to be cut.
The forest is part of the Western Ghats and is home to many kinds of wildlife and trees.
Environmentalists say the area is important for nature.
They worry that clearing the forest could upset the local environment and bring people and wild animals into more conflict.
The project has received approval at the central level.
Local conservation groups have objected to the plan.
They want officials to look at other options.
A hydroelectric power project is set to use 155.02 acres of reserved forest in Igatpuri taluka.
The plan involves felling 6,234 trees in the Bhavli (Bari Ghat) region.
The affected land is within the Kalsubai Reserved Forest and the Western Ghats.
The forest is described as habitat for wildlife including leopards, hyenas, wolves and wild dogs, as well as numerous indigenous tree species.
Environmentalists and wildlife conservation organisations have objected and asked officials to consider alternatives, citing biodiversity and possible human-wildlife conflict.
- Who
- The project concerns the authorities approving and planning a hydroelectric power project; environmentalists and wildlife conservation organisations have objected.
- What
- A plan to clear 155.02 acres of forest and fell 6,234 trees for a hydroelectric power project.
- When
- Not specified in the article.
- Where
- The Bhavli (Bari Ghat) region of Igatpuri taluka, within the Kalsubai Reserved Forest in Nashik district.
- Why
- The forest land has been designated for a hydroelectric power project.
Project rationale
Environmental concerns
Use of forest land
Project rationale
The land has been designated for a hydroelectric power project, which has received central-level approval.
Environmental concerns
Environmentalists and wildlife conservation organisations oppose the forest clearing and have asked officials to consider alternatives.
Ecological effects
Project rationale
The article provides no further explanation from project proponents about the project’s benefits or its expected ecological effects.
Environmental concerns
Objectors say the forest’s location in the Western Ghats and near Kalsubai Harishchandragad Sanctuary makes it important for biodiversity; they warn of ecological disruption and possible human-wildlife conflict.
- Forest area
- 155.02 acres (62.29 hectares)
- Trees to be felled
- 6,234
- Project
- Hydroelectric power project
- Approval
- Received approval at the central level
- Forest location
- Bhavli (Bari Ghat), Igatpuri taluka
- Wildlife mentioned
- Leopards, hyenas, wolves and wild dogs
- Objections
- Environmentalists and wildlife conservation organisations have objected and requested that alternatives be considered.