Why felling a forest near Mumbai could change the rain in Tamil Nadu

A forest near Mumbai is facing felling for the construction of a 3,000-MW pumped-storage hydropower plant. The plant, to be built by Torrent Power, is expected to cut Maharashtra's dependence on coal-fired power. The forest is located in the Sahyadri range, known for its high conservation value. However, the forest rights of tribal families who depend on the forest have not been recorded, leading to no compensation for them.

The villagers have stopped gathering firewood and fear for their livelihoods. The forest also serves as a pharmacy for the community, providing medicinal plants. The project aims to clear 377 hectares of forest, but experts warn that felling such a large area can alter moisture cycles and impact rainfall patterns far away.