All opposed to mining near Tadoba, High Court to decide: BJP MLA Mungantiwar

There is growing opposition to the proposed Lohardongri iron ore mining project near the buffer zone of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra, said senior BJP leader and Ballarpur MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar . He added that the Bombay High Court has already taken cognisance of the matter and will decide whether the project can go ahead.

The Lohardongri project involves extracting iron ore from the Bramhapuri area , which lies close to a crucial tiger corridor connecting TATR with surrounding forests in Gadchiroli and other districts. While the State Board for Wildlife has conditionally approved the project, requiring minimal environmental damage, locals, environmentalists, and political leaders have expressed strong concerns.

Residents and activists warn that mining could lead to deforestation, habitat destruction, water and air pollution , and disrupt the movement of wildlife, particularly tigers. Experts say that such activity in sensitive forest areas could cause irreversible ecological damage , while the economic benefits, including employment, are limited. Mungantiwar noted, “All are opposed to the Lohardongri project. The proposal will not be sent to the Centre as the High Court has taken cognisance of it. I think the court will decide whether the project should go ahead.”

Environmental experts argue that Maharashtra must carefully weigh industrial development against the need to protect its rich wildlife and forests , especially in regions like Tadoba that are home to endangered species.

The controversy highlights the delicate balance between development and conservation , with strong local opposition and environmental concerns. All eyes are now on the Bombay High Court , which will decide the fate of the mining project near the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.