An expert committee of the Union environment ministry has approved the first stage of THDC’s proposed 1,200 MW pumped-hydro project near Malshej Ghat, allowing the developer to begin environmental impact assessment studies for a project estimated at Rs. 6,815 crore. 

The scheme — sited across Thane and Pune districts and involving a mix of forest and non-forest land — is designed as a closed-loop pumped storage system to provide long-duration energy storage and support India’s renewable integration targets. 

Being near protected eco-sensitive areas and a wildlife sanctuary, the project will face further field inspections and environmental scrutiny before subsequent approvals, underlining the balance officials must strike between grid storage needs and ecological safeguards. 

If implemented, the asset would be a material addition to Maharashtra’s power storage capacity and national efforts to expand non-fossil flexibility.