Centre Clears Bailadila Project: Environment Ministry Approves Iron Ore Mining in Chhattisgarh Forest

Approving iron ore mining in the Bailadila forest, Chhattisgarh by the environment ministry was a great step towards the Indian mining and environmental policy environment. The ruling gives the state-controlled NMDC the right to increase its iron ore exploration of the environmentally conducive Bailadila Reserve Forest in the Dantewada district. As the clearance will increase mineral production and also assist in the growth of the industries, it has also fueled the controversy surrounding the protection of the environment, livelihood of the tribes and the conservation of the biodiversity. The fact that the approval was made shows the constant struggle between economic needs and environmental care particularly in forest-based and resource-intensive areas such as Bastar.

Government Clearance for Bailadila Mining

Mining of iron ore in Chhattisgarh Bailadila forest is given the green light by the environment ministry after being recommended by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) in its 57 th meeting. In the extension of mining activities at the Bailadila iron ore mine, Deposit-11, the committee gave environmental approval that 874.924 hectares of forest land be diverted. Such a clearance enables NMDC to boost the iron ore production capacity to 14.50 MTPA as opposed to 11.30 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

Rich Iron Ore Reserves in Bailadila

The Bailadila Reserve Forest has been known due to its ox-hump hills and hematite deposits of high grades. An official source presents the region to have approximately 558.84 million tonnes of geological iron ore deposits, out of which 351.32 million tonnes is mineable. When the Chhattisgarh Bailadila forest is given the green light to extract iron ore, the reserves are likely to come in handy to serve the increasing needs of the country in terms of steel and steel construction.

Forest Clearance and Mining History

Forest clearance of the same area had previously been granted to NMDC in March 2020 and was valid 17 years until September 2037. The most recent authorization is on the growing production and waste excavation that will be increased to 15.39 MTPA as compared to 2.70 MTPA. The relocation supports the aim of the Centre since the environment ministry authorises the iron ore mining in Chhattisgarh Bailadila forest to enhance the production of domestic miners.

Environmental Concerns and Local Protests

In spite of the clearance, the environment ministry authorizes the mining of iron ore in Chhattisgarh Bailadila forest against the will of the local communities and the environmental organizations. According to the protestors, the increase of mining may pose a danger to old-growth trees, natural waterways, and endangered wildlife. At the beginning of January, protests were held by the local youths and political groups in Dantewada due to the issues of environmental degradation and the risk of people displacement.

Biodiversity and Conservation Measures

This Bailadila forest contains wild animals of various species, such as sloth bears, leopards, sambar, Indian pangolins, and giant flying squirrels. It also hosts such reptiles as pythons and cobras, and such birds as Bastar Hill Myna and the Eurasian Eagle Owl. On realizing these issues, NMDC has prepared a site-specific conservation plan, and placed 10.25 crore with the Divisional Forest Officer. Although iron ore mining is approved in the Chhattisgarh forest of Bailadila, there is a conservation commitment that is still a major requirement.