Why in news?
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) cleared the Durgapur Open‑cast Coal Mine project in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district, located within a critical corridor linking Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve with Kanhargaon and Tipeshwar sanctuaries. Conservationists fear the decision will fragment tiger habitats.
About Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR)
- Oldest reserve: TATR is one of India’s oldest project‑tiger reserves, comprising Tadoba National Park (est. 1955) and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary (est. 1986), later merged in 1995.
- Location: Situated in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra, it covers about 87 km² of mixed deciduous forest and grassland.
- Ecology: The reserve supports tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, wild dogs and a rich bird population. Key water bodies like the Andhari and Era rivers and Tadoba Lake sustain its biodiversity.
- Corridor significance: TATR connects with Kanhargaon and Tipeshwar sanctuaries, enabling genetic exchange and dispersal of tigers, which reduces inbreeding and human–wildlife conflict.
Durgapur open‑cast project
- Forest diversion: Western Coalfields Ltd received NBWL clearance to divert around 80 hectares of forest land for the mine.
- Mitigation plan: An ₹18 crore Wildlife Management Plan prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India proposes fencing, removal of invasive species and field surveys to reduce disturbance.
- Conservation concerns: Environmentalists argue that the mine will create barriers within a fragile tiger corridor, increasing the risk of accidents and poaching while undermining long‑term conservation goals.
- Way forward: Balanced decisions should weigh energy needs against ecological costs, exploring alternatives like underground mining, habitat restoration and compensatory afforestation outside critical corridors.
