Expert Panel Approves MP Coal Blocks Despite Proximity to Vital Wildlife Corridor

Two coal-mining projects in Madhya Pradesh's Umaria district, located close to a critical tiger corridor linking the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, have secured a key recommendation for environmental clearance from the Union environment ministry's Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC).

The approvals were granted during the committee's meetings held on July 8 and 9, despite the ecological significance of the corridor, which facilitates the movement of tigers and other wildlife, ensuring genetic exchange and the long-term health of interconnected tiger populations.

The Marwatola VII coal block, to be operated by Rama Cement Industries Private Limited, lies just 53 metres from the corridor. The project will combine open-cast and underground mining. Meanwhile, the Arjuni West coal block, proposed by Ganga Khanij Private Limited, is situated about 3.9 kilometres away and will operate exclusively through underground mining.

According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the Bandhavgarh-Achanakmar corridor connects major tiger landscapes and has long required ecological restoration due to increasing development pressures, particularly from coal mining.

While reviewing the proposals, the EAC observed that the Arjuni West project's underground design would minimise surface disturbance to forest landscapes. For Marwatola VII, the panel noted that the lease area does not fall within the notified tiger corridor and accepted the developer's mitigation measures, including regulated vehicular movement.

However, both recommendations come with strict environmental safeguards. The project proponents must implement or obtain approval for site-specific wildlife conservation plans, including corridor protection measures, under the supervision of Madhya Pradesh's forest and wildlife authorities.

Official records show that mining at Marwatola VII will require diversion of over 1,000 hectares of forest land from its 1,200-hectare lease area. The Arjuni West project is also expected to divert around 1,000 hectares of forest land, highlighting the significant environmental footprint accompanying the proposed mining operations.