Stop coal block auction to save tigers: Aaditya Thackeray

MUMBAI: Maharashtra environment minister Aaditya Thackeray on Monday opposed auctioning of proposed coal blocks in Bander, near Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR). TOI had first reported about the auctioning of blocks around 9km from TATR.
Former Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh had on June 19 drew the attention of Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar against the mines and apprised Aaditya about it.
Aaditya, in a letter to Javadekar on June 22, sought Centre’s urgent intervention. He stated that the proposed coal mine falls in the tiger corridor between Tadoba-Bor-Melghat, and has repeatedly been opposed. He highlighted how Ramesh had opposed the project during UPA-II. The then chief conservator of forests and field director of TATR had also objected as “mining activity in Bander coal blocks would disrupt an important tiger corridor”.
Aaditya pointed out that man-animal conflict in the state, especially in Chandrapur district, was on the rise due to shrinking habitats for spillover tiger population. “Many hurdles for dispersal of tigers were created by granting mining leases. While the government intends to focus on renewable energy, such a move is unprecedented,” he added. “We must do everything we can to protect at least areas under identified wildlife corridors,” he wrote.
TOI had reported how over 1,200 hectares of rich forest land will have to be diverted if mining is allowed there. Wildlife experts said Bandar falls in the route used by tigers to disperse from Tadoba to Bor in Wardha district and Melghat reserve in Amravati district.
“We must do everything we can to protect at least areas that are protected and which fall under identified corridors,” Aaditya said.