Nagpur: The proposed iron ore mining project, flagged as impacting a wildlife corridor linked to Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, sparked a sharp exchange in the Assembly on Wednesday, with Congress MLA Nitin Raut questioning the state’s move to refer the proposal to the National Board for Wildlife.Raut said Tadoba-Andhari is not only Maharashtra’s but the country’s pride, and described the corridor spanning Chandrapur, Gondia and Bhandara as a lifeline for tigers and other wildlife. Citing the standing committee’s decision of January 24, 2024, Raut asked what changed within 1 year for the state to recommend what he called a “destructive project” to the national board. Raut also disputed the jobs argument, saying only 32 permanent jobs were expected, and questioned the rationale of tree felling and habitat loss for that number.
Forest minister Ganesh Naik said destroying a large forest area for a limited number of jobs would be inappropriate. Naik said the proposal did not receive state-level approval and would be referred to the Centre, adding that while forwarding the recommendation, the state conveyed that due care must be taken to ensure there is no environmental damage.Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray urged the govt to halt the project, stating that the terms of reference expired in Dec, and pressed for a fresh Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before any action is taken. Thackeray also asked if the govt would stop the project even after it was sent to the national board.Naik said the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court took suo motu cognisance and that the matter is now under judicial scrutiny. Naik said the proposal is ready to be sent to the Centre and the govt would act as appropriate, keeping in view any directions issued by the court.
