By | Niranjan Kamat
Kolhapur: The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) of the Environment Ministry has made a significant decision to deny final clearance to Hindalco Industries Limited’s bauxite mine in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. The proposal was rejected due to the mine’s location in the eco-sensitive zones (ESA) of the Western Ghats, a region renowned for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance.
The FAC’s decision is a testament to the government’s commitment to protecting the environment and conserving the Western Ghats’ natural resources. The region is home to numerous endangered species, including elephants, tigers, and leopards, and the FAC’s decision reflects the need to prioritize environmental protection over economic interests.
The proposal was rejected on several grounds, including the ban on mining in eco-sensitive areas, the invalidity of the mining lease, and the location of the mine in a conservation reserve. The committee noted that the mining lease, initially granted in 1968, has expired and not been renewed, which further supports the decision to reject the proposal.
The Western Ghats is a region of immense ecological significance, and the FAC’s decision is a welcome move for environmentalists and conservationists who have been advocating for the protection of this region. The region’s vulnerability to mining activities was a key factor in the FAC’s decision, and the government’s commitment to protecting the environment is evident in this decision.
The Centre’s draft notification in 2024 declaring 56,825.7 sq km of the Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive areas, with a proposed ban on mining, quarrying, and sand mining in these areas, further supports the FAC’s decision. The rejection of Hindalco’s proposal is a significant step towards protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.
The FAC’s decision demonstrates the government’s efforts to balance economic development with environmental protection. It highlights the need to prioritize environmental conservation and promote sustainable development practices that minimize harm to the environment.
Overall, the rejection of Hindalco’s proposal is a positive development for the environment and conservation efforts in the Western Ghats. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting the region’s natural resources and promoting sustainable development.
