Green Light To Devastation: Over 1 Lakh Trees To Be Felled In Gadchiroli For Iron Mining, Tribal Displacement Feared
Green Light To Devastation: Over 1 Lakh Trees To Be Felled In Gadchiroli For Iron Mining, Tribal Displacement Feared
In a move that has sparked widespread outrage, the Maharashtra government has granted environmental clearance for the expansion of mining operations in the Surjagarh iron ore region of Gadchiroli district. As part of this approval, the felling of over 1.23 lakh trees across 900 hectares of forest land has been sanctioned under certain wildlife protection conditions.
Environmental activists have strongly opposed the decision, warning of irreversible ecological damage and large-scale tribal displacement. The project is expected to consume 937 hectares of forest land, threatening the integrity of the tiger corridor in the region and endangering wildlife habitats.
The mining project, operated by Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited, had earlier undergone a public hearing two months ago seeking to increase its excavation capacity from 10 million tonnes to 26 million tonnes. Following this, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recommended approval for the project’s expansion.
Surprisingly, within weeks, the Ministry granted Lloyds Metals and Energy permission to cut down over one lakh trees for setting up an ore-washing plant in the forest zone—sparking criticism and disbelief among conservationists.
Mining on the Surjagarh hills began three years ago despite the region being affected by Naxalite activity. Lloyds Metals was awarded a mining lease for 348 hectares, and tenders are now open for five more mining blocks in the same area. This region is part of a vast forest expanse extending from Maharashtra to Chhattisgarh.
Widespread Tribal Opposition
While the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court continues hearings on petitions opposing the project, the EAC’s clearance has drawn fresh criticism. Although the company secured its mining lease back in 2007, active operations only began in 2016, but had to be halted due to Maoist resistance.
Tribal communities continue to oppose the mining project, citing violations of forest rights and the destruction of their ancestral lands. Locals fear the displacement of over 50,000 people across 30 to 40 villages in the mining zone.
Environmentalists have expressed grave concerns about the destruction of critical forest ecosystems and have questioned the government’s decision to proceed with the project despite ongoing legal and social challenges.
