Adani Green cuts Tarali project cost by 99%, wildlife deposit falls to Rs 2.27 Crore

Adani Green Energy Ltd clarified that a wildlife deposit for the 1500-MW Tarali pumped storage project in Maharashtra fell to Rs 2.27 crore because the online filing cited only survey costs. The Indian Express reported that a revised affidavit reduced the total project cost from Rs 5,675 crore to Rs 56.75 crore, which lowered the wildlife payment meant for Sahyadri Tiger Reserve from Rs 227 crore, prompting the Centre to order a probe. According to Adani Group, the online submission was made strictly for site investigation work, which typically accounts for one per cent of a project. The group spokesperson stated, the online submission was made only for site investigation work. Adani Group stated that the State Board for Wildlife considered the total cost at Rs 5,675 crore, rejecting claims that the change aimed to reduce conservation costs. The group added that the project sits entirely on private, non-forest land, located 3.2 kilometres away from the Koyna wildlife sanctuary, outside the notified buffer zone of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, and outside any notified Eco-Sensitive Zone, with no diversion of protected areas or reserve forests.