The Maharashtra government has decided to put the proposed Lohardongri iron ore mining project in Chandrapur district on hold, citing ongoing legal proceedings and growing environmental concerns. The decision was communicated to the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Tuesday.
Court's Stance
A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode recorded the government's decision and made it clear that the mine cannot be resumed in the future without prior permission from the high court. This ensures judicial oversight over any potential restart of the project.
Environmental and Local Resistance
The project had faced strong opposition from environmental organizations and local citizens, as the site is located in a sensitive forest area within the Bramhapuri forest division. Experts had warned that mining activities could threaten the habitat of around 60 tigers, including eight near the project site. Despite an adverse report from a state-level expert committee, the project had earlier received government approval.
The decision to halt the project reflects the government's responsiveness to legal and environmental concerns, emphasizing the need to balance development with ecological preservation.
