High Court Warns Environment Ministry Over Coal Mine Expansion
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Nagpur,India : In a significant development, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has issued a warning to the Central Ministry of Environment and Forests for failing to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the expansion of the Dugarpur open coal mine in Chandrapur. The court has given a clear ultimatum, stating that if the ministry does not submit its reply, a fine of ₹10,000 will be imposed.
The PIL was filed by Deepak Dixit, President of the Prakriti Foundation, who is advocating for the cancellation of the coal mine expansion project. His concern stems from the potential environmental damage and threat to wildlife posed by the project. The proposed expansion would involve using 121.58 hectares of forest land to increase coal production, but critics argue that proper environmental studies were not conducted before the project received approval.
This forested area is not just any land; it is a crucial habitat for many animals, including tigers, leopards, and wild boars. Moreover, it lies dangerously close to the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve—just 12 kilometers from its core area and only 1.25 kilometers from its buffer zone. If the project moves forward, around 60,000 trees are expected to be cut down, which could force wildlife to stray into nearby human settlements, increasing the risk of animal attacks.
Chandrapur has already faced incidents where wild animals have attacked people, making the situation even more concerning. “If this expansion happens, it will not just harm the environment but also create safety issues for local residents,” stated Dixit in his petition.
Advocate Mahesh Dhatrak, who represented the petitioner, emphasized the importance of protecting forest land and conducting detailed environmental impact assessments before such projects are approved.
The court’s strong warning reflects the seriousness of the matter. It is a clear message to authorities to prioritize environmental conservation and follow due diligence before making decisions that could have far-reaching consequences for nature and local communities.
This case has drawn attention to the delicate balance between development and environmental preservation. Locals and environmentalists alike are keeping a close watch on further developments, hoping for a resolution that safeguards both nature and public safety.
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