The Price of Ore: Can ₹10 Crore Save Bailadila’s Biodiversity?

The Centre has recommended granting environmental clearance (EC) for the diversion of 874.924 hectares of forest land for the expansion of iron ore mining by NMDC in the Bailadila Reserve Forest (BRF) in Dantewada district, Chhattisgarh. The project seeks to increase production capacity from 11.30 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 14.50 MTPA.

The proposal has drawn opposition over potential environmental impacts, including threats to local water sources, ancient trees, and rare wildlife species. NMDC had earlier received forest clearance for the land in 2020, which remains valid until 2037. As part of its mitigation measures, the company has committed to implementing a site-specific conservation plan and has deposited ₹10.25 crore for the protection and management of the reserve.

The Bailadila Reserve Forest is a biodiversity-rich region and provides habitat to several species, including the sloth bear, leopard, Bengal fox, and the Bastar Hill Myna.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.