Suryaa Now National News Desk: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has ordered the Maharashtra Forest Department to conduct an inquiry and submit a report regarding the reduction of cost estimates for Adani Green Energy's 1,500 MW pumped storage hydroelectric project in Satara district, Maharashtra. The company reduced the project cost from Rs 5,675 crore to Rs 56.75 crore.
The project, located in an eco-sensitive zone near the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, received environmental clearance recommendations in February 2025 with an estimated cost of Rs 5,675 crore. Under existing regulations, 4 percent of the project cost was to be deposited into the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve conservation fund. In March 2026, the Maharashtra Chief Wildlife Warden requested a payment of Rs 227 crore from the company.
On September 8, 2026, Adani Green Energy filed an affidavit stating the project cost was Rs 56.75 crore. Following approval from the state forest department on October 12, the required wildlife conservation fund contribution decreased from Rs 227 crore to Rs 2.27 crore. The company has already deposited Rs 56.75 lakh, representing 1 percent of the revised cost.
On October 30, Satara Honorary Wildlife Warden Rohan Bhate filed complaints with the Prime Minister's grievance portal and the Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office regarding the cost reduction. The Union Environment Ministry has intervened, and the Deputy Director of the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary has been appointed as the inquiry officer.
The Congress party has demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) investigation into the matter. Adani Group has denied allegations that the project cost was reduced to lower statutory fees. The company stated that the project is located entirely on private, non-forest land and will not cause damage to protected forest areas.
