By: Abhay Hawaldar
Satara: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has stepped in to halt the felling of numerous large trees in Mahabaleshwar’s eco-sensitive Western Ghats for a road widening project. Environmentalist Bhau Madan Mehta filed a complaint against the project, arguing that it lacks genuine public benefit and will cause significant environmental harm. The NGT has admitted the application and directed the concerned authorities, including the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) and regional forest departments, to file their responses by July 8, 2025.
Concerns Over Environmental Impact
The complaint highlights that the road widening project involves cutting down numerous trees of various species, which will have a significant adverse impact on the environment. The project is being executed by the MSIDC, and permissions for tree cutting were granted by the Range Forest Officer. The environmentalist’s team works for the protection and conservation of the environment and local culture in and around Wai, and they are concerned about the project’s impact on the eco-sensitive zone.
Eco-Sensitive Zone Under Threat
The Mahabaleshwar Taluka has been declared an ‘Eco-Sensitive Zone’, and the road widening project is being carried out without adequate consideration for the environmental implications. The NGT’s intervention has brought attention to the issue, and the outcome of the case will have significant implications for the protection of the Western Ghats and the conservation of its natural resources.
