Adani Green Seeks 99% Cut in Cost of Maharashtra Hydropower Project

Adani Green Energy Ltd has sought to reduce the estimated cost of its 1,500 MW Tarali Pumped Storage Project in Maharashtra’s Satara district from Rs 5,675 crore to Rs 56.75 crore, according to documents reviewed by The Indian Express.

The proposed reduction has significant implications for the project's mandatory wildlife conservation contribution. Since the State Board for Wildlife requires a deposit equivalent to 4% of the project cost for conservation and protection measures, the revised estimate brings the company's contribution down from Rs 227 crore to approximately Rs 2.27 crore.

The Maharashtra Forest Department has accepted the revised project cost estimate. Following this, the company deposited Rs 56.75 lakh, representing 1% of the revised cost, into the bank account of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. The remaining amount is to be deposited after approval from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).

The matter came under scrutiny following a complaint filed by Rohan Bhate, Honorary Wildlife Warden of Satara district, on October 30. The complaint, submitted through the Prime Minister's grievance redressal portal and Maharashtra's Aaple Sarkar portal, alleged an incorrect assessment of the project's cost.

Taking cognisance of the complaint, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), on November 6, directed the Maharashtra Forest Department to investigate the matter on priority. The state department has also initiated a probe.

Project Falls Within the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary's Eco-Sensitive Zone

The Tarali Pumped Storage Project is proposed on the Tarali dam reservoir and covers 150.74 hectares of non-forest land across Nivade, Tondoshi, Kalambe and Jalu villages in Patan taluka of Satara district.

According to the state forest department, the project passes through the buffer and deemed Eco-Sensitive Zone of the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, which forms part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghats. The revised cost estimate and its implications for wildlife conservation funding are now under investigation.