Responding to environmentalists, Gogawale defends the Torrent project; urges adherence to the 'Mahayuti' (ruling alliance) coalition dharma.
Alibaug – Amidst intense opposition from environmental organizations and opposition parties against the Torrent Power company’s pumped-storage hydroelectric project in Karjat, Raigad’s Guardian Minister Bharat Gogawale has come out in clear support of the initiative. He stated that the project is essential for job creation, as well as for water and electricity generation. Speaking at a press conference in Alibaug, Gogawale remarked, "Whenever large-scale projects are proposed, the issue of tree felling is raised, and opposition emerges in the name of the environment. However, while opposing such projects, one must also consider the employment opportunities they create. If opposition causes the project to be shifted to another district or state, local youth could lose out on potential jobs." The project, planned for the Sai Hill area in Karjat taluka, is set to be constructed on 233 hectares of forest land. This will necessitate the felling of 32,409 trees, with approximately 2,500 to 3,000 trees already cut down. This has sparked outrage among wildlife experts and environmentalists. Nevertheless, Gogawale’s defense of the project—and the associated clearing of trees—has become a subject of significant discussion. With the ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) opposing the project while Shiv Sena leaders have extended their support, there is speculation that a new conflict could erupt within the 'Mahayuti' (ruling alliance). MLA Mahendra Dalvi and District Collector Kishan Jawale were also present at the press conference. Emphasizing that everyone must uphold the 'ethics of the alliance' (Mahayuti Dharma), Gogawale commented on the ongoing dispute between Sunil Tatkare, Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam, and MLA Mahendra Thorve, stating, "Sometimes, sharp retorts are exchanged, but we are striving to maintain sincerity. We are proceeding in accordance with the directives of Eknath Shinde. We wish to preserve the alliance, but it is a responsibility that must be shared by all." He added that the disagreement is based on principles and that a resolution will be reached soon. Notably, it was Ramdas Kadam himself who had recommended Tatkare’s candidature for the Lok Sabha elections; only he would know what has transpired since then. Mentioning that discussions are underway at a higher level, Gogawale also noted that the possibility of the two Shiv Sena factions reuniting appears slim at this juncture.
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