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Mining Threatens Tiger Corridor Near Tadoba
10 Jan
Summary
- Mining project approved near vital tiger corridor linking Tadoba
- Project risks irreversible damage to environment and wildlife habitat
- Board recommends notifying forest area as wildlife sanctuary
The Maharashtra State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) granted approval for an iron ore opencast mining project in Chandrapur district. This project is situated in a critical wildlife corridor linking the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve with the Bramhapuri-Gadchiroli landscape. The approved area supports a significant population of tigers, leopards, and sloth bears.
The SBWL's decision came after a committee recommended wildlife clearance, provided the 34,673.67-hectare forest area is officially declared a wildlife sanctuary. Reports indicate that mining in this region could cause irreversible environmental damage, leading to loss of tree cover and increased pollution. This area is crucial for tiger dispersal from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve towards the Ghodazari Wildlife Sanctuary.
Experts warn that opencast mining would have a substantial negative impact on a large surface area, potentially escalating human-wildlife conflict as displaced animals seek refuge in surrounding villages and urban fringes. The project involves felling over 18,000 trees and disturbing critical habitats.
