2 months before retirement, CCF granted clearance to Gondkhairi mine

Nagpur: The Adani Power Maharashtra Limited’s (APML) proposal of forest clearance for its underground coal mine project in Gondkhari near the city may be in the preliminary stages, but getting the clearance seems to be a mere formality since forest officials have already recommended it.
Documents with TOI show that clearance for 87.351 hectare forest land for the mine has already been recommended by former chief conservator of forest (CCF) Rangnath Naikade on March 28, two months before his retirement on May 31 this year.
Talking to TOI, Naikade said there is no wildlife in the proposed area and not a single tree will be cut as the opening of the mine will be on non-forest land.
“The aerial distance of the mine is 34km from Mansinghdeo sanctuary and 20km from Bor Tiger Reserve. No deforestation will be done as the latest technology will be used and afforestation will be done in the block area. The project will boost economy in the area. Hence, we recommended it,” said Naikade.
However, there is a lot of opposition to the project from activists and green crusaders, who fear the coal mine will cause air, noise, and water pollution.
MPCC vice-president Nana Gawande, who opposed the project, said, “Adani coal mine will be located in 862 hectare, which is too big. In areas like Saoner, Parsheoni, and Murpaar (Chimur) underground coal mines, people are facing severe water crises and village wells have gone dry. High pollution is expected as most of the mined coal will be transported in open trucks.”
Gawande added the mine will certainly affect neighbouring Vena and Surabardi lakes. The Vena reservoir, spread over 550 hectare and supplying water to ordnance factories and industries, is 3km from the project site. “These companies make tall promises but are poor in delivering,” he added.
Adani officials countered the fears of activists. Talking to TOI, they said the Gondkhairi block development will not affect local surroundings, including humans and wildlife, since there will be no deforestation or blasting.
“Gondkhairi block was waiting to be developed for over 15 years and it will generate much-needed livelihood for thousands in rural Nagpur throughout the life of the mine. Being an underground mine, it will also not displace people,” they said.
The officials said, “Of the 862 hectare, only 18 hectare of land will be effectively mined. We will develop 2 hectares green belt around the mines. An elaborate plan for CSR covering health, education, and empowerment among other areas has been developed.”
A senior APML official said, “Gondkhairi project is being developed with strict adherence to environmental regulations. In its submissions for the regulatory process, the state-of-the-art mining method promises to ensure there will not be any adverse impact on water bodies, roads, buildings, and forests. The company will procure minimum private land for basic infrastructure, office buildings, and green belts.”