The iron ore mining initiative discussed by Thackeray is situated at Lohardongari close to the Ghodazari Wildlife Sanctuary in the Chandrapur district of eastern Maharashtra.
In a message posted on X, Thackeray noted that the SBWL (State Board for Wildlife) apparently informed the chief minister that it is a vital tiger corridor and wildlife passage, which would exacerbate human-animal conflict (and tiger conflict), yet the CM continued with the proposal.
The former state environment minister accused the BJP of attempting to destroy every ounce of nature remaining in the country.
“Today, the State Board for Wildlife approved a plan that permits a mining project in Lohardongari near the Ghodazari Wildlife Sanctuary. The SBWL seemingly briefed the Chief Minister about its significance as a tiger corridor, wildlife corridor, and the potential for increased human-animal conflict (and tiger conflict), but the CM moved forward with it anyway,” he expressed in his post.
This mine will create merely 120 jobs, with only 32 being permanent, and the projected output is just 1.1 million tonnes in a year. There is a lack of studies regarding its impact on wildlife and the forest, but Thackeray noted that the BJP appears fond of destroying forests.
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“Similarly, the Board ratified the minutes from the previous meeting that permitted the opening of mines in Marki-Mangli near the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve—yet another tiger corridor. I’m curious to see how the CM presents this during the Mumbai Climate Week to global organizations attending,” remarked the Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA from Worli in Mumbai.
The Vidarbha region, which has produced numerous elected representatives for the BJP, is suffering environmental degradation at the hands of the BJP. Coal washeries, mines, and deforestation are rampant, while the government misleads citizens about human-animal conflict, he stated.
