Nashik: 155 Acres Of Forest In Igatpuri Set For Felling, 6,234 Trees To Be Cut

In Nashik's Igatpuri taluka, approximately 155.02 acres (62.29 hectares) of forest within the Kalsubai Reserved Forest are slated for clearance to make way for a hydroelectric power project. This project has received central-level approval and will impact a segment of the reserved forest in Igatpuri Forest Range's Bhavli jurisdiction.

Located within the Western Ghats, this forest is ecologically sensitive due to its rich biodiversity, serving as the habitat for wildlife like leopards, hyenas, wolves, and wild dogs. It also harbors rare and critically rare indigenous tree species, including mango, apta, jamun, dhavda, hirda, kuda, shivan, toran, behada, tamhan, karanj, wild almond, and dhavan.

Environmentalists and wildlife enthusiasts have expressed concern over the potential consequences of deforestation, warning that it might spark human-wildlife conflict. Local conservation groups have vocally objected to the decision, with some urging the Forest Department and relevant authorities to explore alternative measures to mitigate the threat to biodiversity, especially considering the area's proximity to the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Sanctuary.

Despite the project's approval, these groups have pushed for alternative solutions to prevent any disruption to the local ecological balance.