Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 8: The Centre has recommended environmental clearance (EC) for the diversion of 874.924 hectares of forest land to facilitate the expansion of iron ore mining by state-owned NMDC in the Bailadila Reserve Forest (BRF) of Dantewada district in Chhattisgarh.
The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, at its 57th meeting, approved the proposal for the Bailadila iron ore mine (Deposit-11). The project seeks to increase iron ore production capacity from 11.30 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 14.50 MTPA, while waste excavation is proposed to be expanded from 2.70 MTPA to 15.39 MTPA.
The Bailadila Reserve Forest, a forested mountain range known for its ox-hump-shaped peaks, contains rich deposits of high-grade hematite iron ore. The area is estimated to hold geological reserves of 558.84 million tonnes, of which 351.32 million tonnes are considered mineable.
NMDC had earlier secured forest clearance for the diverted land in March 2020. The approval is valid for 17 years and will remain in force until September 2037.
However, the proposed expansion has raised environmental concerns. Anticipating the EAC’s clearance, local youths and several political groups staged protests in Dantewada on January 5, opposing the project over fears of damage to water sources, ancient trees and rare wildlife in the region.
The mining lease area falls within the Bailadila iron ore mines of the Kirandul Complex in South Bastar, a region known for its rich biodiversity. EAC documents note that the forest reserve is home to mammals such as sloth bears, leopards, jungle cats, jackals, sambar, Bengal foxes, grey mongooses, Indian pangolins, Indian porcupines and giant flying squirrels.
The area also supports reptiles including the Bengal monitor, python, Indian rat snake, cobra and Russell’s viper, along with bird species such as the Bastar Hill Myna, common peafowl, Eurasian eagle owl, brown fish owl, common barn owl and cotton pygmy goose.
According to the EAC, NMDC has prepared a site-specific conservation plan and deposited Rs 10.25 crore with the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Dantewada, towards conservation and mitigation measures.