Bombay HC Seeks Government Response on Proposed Mining Near Chandrapur Tiger Corridor

The Bombay High Court's Nagpur Bench has issued notices to the Union government and state agencies regarding a Public Interest Litigation challenging Sunflag Iron and Steel Company's proposed iron ore mining project near the tiger corridor in Chandrapur district. The project involves mining 35.94 hectares of reserved forest, potentially affecting about 18,000 trees and the habitat of around 300 tigers. Despite opposition from a state-appointed expert committee citing ecological and wildlife risks, the State Wildlife Board approved the proposal, prompting environmental concerns over biodiversity loss and increased human-wildlife conflict.