CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The Union Ministry of Environment’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) has recommended environmental clearance for Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd to significantly expand its iron ore mining operations at the Surjagarh site in Maharashtra. This approval enables the company to raise its annual production capacity from 10 million tonnes to 26 million tonnes, aligning with Maharashtra’s broader efforts to promote industrial growth in the Gadchiroli region, which has historically faced challenges due to Maoist unrest.
Environmental Clearance And Stipulated Conditions
The EAC’s decision followed a thorough review of the project and comes with several mandatory environmental safeguards. One of the key conditions is the implementation of a wildlife conservation and management plan. Since the mining site falls within the ecologically sensitive Bhamragad Reserve Forest, the committee stressed the need to ensure environmental balance and protect local wildlife.
Biodiversity And Ecological Concerns
The Bhamragad Reserve Forest plays a vital role in supporting regional biodiversity and serves as an essential wildlife corridor. To mitigate ecological impact, the EAC has mandated regular monitoring of plant and animal life within a 10-kilometre radius of the mining area. This must be carried out in coordination with the forest department and as part of the approved conservation plan.
Background Of Surjagarh Mine
The Surjagarh mine received its lease in 2007 for 20 years, which was later extended until 2057. Despite commencing operations in 2016, the project has witnessed frequent disruptions due to security issues, including a major incident in 2016 when Maoist groups targeted the site, destroying mining equipment and vehicles.
Legal Disputes And Regulatory Issues
The project’s latest expansion approval comes amidst unresolved legal challenges concerning earlier increases in mining output. The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court is currently reviewing petitions related to these concerns. Additionally, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board had lodged a complaint in December 2022 over the mine’s operations after the lapse of its earlier environmental clearance. The company was held accountable for non-compliance, with certain officials facing legal consequences.
Decline In Maoist Violence And Improved Security
Gadchiroli, once a hotbed of Maoist activity, has seen a significant decline in insurgency in recent years due to intensified state and central government interventions. The elite C60 anti-Naxal commando unit has been instrumental in curbing violence in the area. Recent surrenders by Maoist cadres indicate changing ground realities.
Outlook For Surjagarh Mining Project
The expansion of the Surjagarh iron ore mine is anticipated to provide a boost to the local economy and support the production of high-grade ore for the steel sector. Lloyds Metals had previously received clearance in 2023 to raise production from 3 million to 10 million tonnes per annum, even though the project was categorized as a ‘violation case’. The latest development signals growing momentum in resource-based industrial development in the region.
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