Controversy Over Tree Felling for Maharashtra Hydropower Project Ahead of PM Modi Visit
A controversy has arisen over the felling of over 32,000 trees near Maharashtra's Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary for Torrent Power's 3,000 MW pumped-storage hydropower project in Karjat. Opposition leaders like Shiv Sena's Aaditya Thackeray and Sanjay Raut, along with environmental activists, have criticized the project for its ecological impact and called for sustainable development and public hearings. The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, defends the project as essential for energy security and emphasizes afforestation efforts and regulatory compliance. The project is slated for inauguration during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit.
First-hand measurement across 15 sources
We measured how 15 outlets covered this story. Coverage leans balanced overall (Left 24%, Centre 56%, Right 20%). Overall sentiment is neutral (42/100). Lens Score 76/100.
Outlets measured: freepressjournal, thehindu, oneindia, hindustantimes, deccanherald, thetelegraph, theprint, hindustantimes, and 7 more. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Outlets split on this story: 2 leaned left, 11 stayed centre, and 1 leaned right — see how each framed it below.
Sentiment ranged widely across outlets — from 28/100 to 75/100 — a sign the coverage itself was contested, not just reported.
Coverage timeline
theprint broke this story on 26 Oct, 01:18 am. Other outlets followed.