Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 18: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Maharashtra Environment Minister Aditya Thackeray strongly criticized the Mahayuti government on Friday, accusing it of disregarding the severity of climate change while approving environmentally harmful development projects.
Speaking at a press conference, Thackeray alleged that the Maharashtra government is prioritizing destructive policies over sustainable development. “We are not against development (Vikas), but we are certainly against destruction (Vinash). The government is not taking the climate crisis seriously,” he stated.
Thackeray specifically targeted Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for approving multiple projects that would lead to mass deforestation. Highlighting the recently approved Gargai dam project in Palghar, he warned that nearly five lakh trees could be felled for the construction. “This dam may provide Mumbai with 450 million litres of water daily, but at what cost? They are destroying forests—critical for rainfall—and playing a money game with our future,” he said.
He emphasized that unchecked deforestation and environmental degradation could severely affect the monsoon and overall ecological balance. “We are witnessing climate change unfold right before our eyes,” he added.
Thackeray also expressed concern over soaring temperatures in April, noting that Maharashtra recorded over 40 degrees Celsius—an unusual phenomenon for this time of year. “These temperatures are unprecedented. The government might not have crossed 400 seats, but the heat has crossed 40 degrees,” he remarked sarcastically.
Highlighting the ongoing water crisis in Mumbai, Thackeray accused the BJP-led government of failing to address the issue. “The water problem remains unresolved. Despite our protests, our party workers were detained by the police,” he said.