Torrent Power is facing growing scrutiny over its ₹13,505 crore Saidongar-I pumped-storage hydroelectric project in Maharashtra, as concerns about forest clearance, biodiversity and local livelihoods intensify.

The proposed 3,000 MW facility is located in Karjat taluka of Raigad district, within the Sahyadri mountain range. It is designed to strengthen electricity storage and support Maharashtra’s expanding renewable energy infrastructure.

According to project documents, the development requires approximately 377 hectares of land, including 233 hectares of forest land and 144 hectares of non-forest land.

The controversy centres on plans involving approximately 32,490 trees. Environmental groups and affected residents have questioned the ecological consequences of clearing such a large forested area.

Reports published on November 2 indicate that nearly 1,100 trees had already been felled before protests prompted authorities to temporarily halt the operation.

The interruption has brought attention to the competing priorities of infrastructure development, energy security and environmental protection in the Western Ghats.

Torrent Power intends to develop a pumped-storage facility capable of storing electricity when supply exceeds demand and generating power during periods of higher consumption.

Unlike conventional hydroelectric generation, pumped storage uses electricity to move water between reservoirs at different elevations, allowing energy to be stored and released when required.

This technology is becoming increasingly relevant as India expands solar and wind capacity, both of which depend on changing weather and generation conditions.

For Maharashtra, additional energy storage could improve grid flexibility, reduce pressure during evening demand peaks and support the integration of renewable electricity.

However, environmental concerns extend beyond the number of trees proposed for removal. Forest fragmentation, wildlife habitats, soil stability and changes to local water systems also require consideration.

The project’s environmental assessment identifies protected wildlife species within the broader study area, although this does not establish that every identified species inhabits the specific land being acquired.

Local communities have also raised livelihood concerns. Several tribal settlements depend on nearby forests for activities including collecting firewood and other forest produce.

An Indian Express investigation reported that some forest-dependent families were not formally recorded in the relevant rights process, raising questions about compensation and recognition of traditional resource use.

Government officials have maintained that the necessary records were not submitted through the village-level process, despite public consultations and opportunities to document claims.

Torrent Power has stated that the project underwent environmental and forest approval procedures, including technical assessments, public hearings and regulatory scrutiny.

The company has also clarified that its project components are outside the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and its designated eco-sensitive zone, approximately 16 kilometres from the sanctuary.

As part of its environmental mitigation commitments, Torrent has outlined compensatory afforestation and additional plantation measures, including plans involving approximately 90,000 new trees.

Nevertheless, the effectiveness of compensatory plantation depends on factors such as survival rates, ecological suitability and the time required for newly planted trees to develop.

The project received environmental clearance in January 2026, making it important to distinguish the present controversy from a situation in which no environmental approval exists.

For investors following Torrent Power, the development highlights potential execution risks associated with major infrastructure projects, including public opposition, implementation delays and environmental compliance costs.

The longer-term assessment will depend on construction progress, regulatory compliance, community engagement and the project’s eventual contribution to electricity storage. The main issue is whether infrastructure benefits can be delivered while addressing the documented ecological and social concerns.