"Not a Single Tree": Sayaji Shinde Leads Fierce Battle Against Karjat Tree Felling
Actor Sayaji Shinde and activists lead a fierce protest against cutting 32,000 trees for Torrent Power's project in Karjat.
Veteran actor and environmentalist Sayaji Shinde has stepped into the frontlines of a growing environmental battle in Maharashtra. Leading a group of determined activists and local residents, Shinde is spearheading a protest against the massive felling of trees in the Saidongar area of Karjat taluka, intended to make way for a 3,000 MW pumped-storage hydropower project by Torrent Power.
32,000 Trees at Risk
The scale of the planned deforestation has sent shockwaves through the local community. Reports suggest that permission has already been granted to cut down over 32,000 trees to facilitate the project. This move has sparked outrage among environmentalists who argue that "development" should not come at the cost of ecological destruction.
The protest gained further momentum with the visit of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, who also visited the project site to voice his opposition to the tree felling.
Shinde Slams "Lack of Transparency"
Sayaji Shinde has been vocal about the flaws in the project's planning. He asserted that the reports submitted for the project lack the necessary transparency and are fundamentally improper. He specifically rejected the common corporate promise of compensatory afforestation—replacing old, large trees with smaller saplings.
"The transparency that should be there is missing. The report submitted is not proper. Our demand is that no project should be undertaken by cutting trees. If we want to secure our future, trees should not be cut. We will not accept the argument that large trees will be cut and smaller ones planted in their place," Shinde stated.
A Warning for Wildlife and Humanity
Beyond the loss of greenery, Shinde highlighted the devastating impact on local fauna. He compared the destruction of forests to bombing the homes of innocent creatures, arguing that destroying natural habitats for animals and birds cannot be justified as progress.
In a poignant reflection on the relationship between humans and nature, the actor reminded the public that trees preceded human existence on Earth. He warned that while humans may vanish, the planet's survival depends on the respect we show to nature, calling trees our "parents."
Comparing Deforesters to a "Disease"
When asked about the future of the protests, Shinde's rhetoric grew sharper. He compared those intent on cutting down trees to animals or a disease that must be driven away. He suggested that protesters might use noise, such as beating drums or clapping, to repel those coming to destroy the forest.
While no specific future plan has been finalized, Shinde made it clear that the movement will continue until the felling stops, calling upon people across Maharashtra to unite in this cause.
Beyond Karjat: A Vision for Conservation
Sayaji Shinde's commitment to the environment extends beyond this single protest. He revealed that his group is actively working to establish devrais (sacred groves) at 40 different locations across Maharashtra. His team is also focusing on growing rare plant species from seeds—a task he believes the Forest Department should be handling if they had the necessary budget.
The actor also expressed deep concern over the environmental degradation in Mumbai, specifically pointing toward encroachments around Sanjay Gandhi National Park and the felling of trees in the Kurla Mother Dairy area. He alleged that financial interests are being prioritized over the planet, stating that the obsession with money is a "terrible disease."
Meanwhile, the state government and Torrent Power have defended the project, maintaining that all necessary legal permissions have been obtained to proceed with the hydropower facility.