140 hectare of forest to be razed in Thane and Raigad?

The proposal seeks diversion of 100.617 ha of forest area in Thane and 40.201 ha in Alibaug. Representation pic

A huge chunk of forest land measuring 140.818 hectare in Thane and Raigad district might make way for the construction of transmission lines. A proposal seeking clearance was recently submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Vapi II-North Lakhimpur Transmission Limited has applied for diversion of 100.617 ha of forest area under Thane Forest Division and 40.201 ha under Alibaug Forest Division.

It is said to be a system strengthening project of the western and north eastern power grid for Gujarat, Maharashtra, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The project is part of the national grid and a vital link for bulk power transfer in these states by creating strong transmission links with adjoining states.

The lines will pass through the forest areas in Raigad and Thane, which will have to be cleared. It states that every effort has been made to avoid forest area, but it could not be done completely because of the technical feasibility for making the route alignment.

The project also requires 266.701 ha of non-forest area. The proposal is for the construction of 400 KV DC KV DC (quad) Padghe (PG) - Kharghar line with LILO of 400 KV SC Padghe (PG) - Ghatkopar line, at Navi Mumbai GIS.