Aaditya Thackeray alleges illegal conversion of tiger corridor into mining zone

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray slams Maharashtra Wildlife Board decisions over mining approvals (File pic)

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA from Worli, Aaditya Thackeray, on Thursday, June 4, wrote to Sanjay Kumar, Member Secretary of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), seeking intervention against what he alleged was the illegal conversion of a tiger corridor into a mining zone in Maharashtra.

Sharing details of the issue on social media platform X, Aaditya wrote, "Another Tiger Corridor is being converted to a mining zone by the Government of Maharashtra. That too illegally.

"In April, we protested against a mine being permitted in Lohardongri, and environmentalist @banduplan also sat on a fast till it was cancelled," he further added.

Aaditya Thackeray slams Maharashtra Wildlife Board

In his letter, he noted, "Maharashtra State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) had exceeded its powers by approving mining activities in a corridor identified for tiger movement and protected under wildlife conservation norms."

Thackeray also alleged that the Maharashtra State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) has exceeded its jurisdiction by diluting protections for another tiger corridor. He also mentioned that the board allegedly pressured the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to withdraw objections and subsequently granted approval for a mining project within the corridor.

Raising questions over the legality of the move, the Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA also mentioned, "State Board for Wildlife had diluted protections for a corridor area covering villages Hedri, Bande, Parsalgondi and Round-Parsalgondhi in Gadchiroli district, where permission has reportedly been granted for scientific exploration, excavation, and systematic recovery of low-grade iron ore."

The three points that he highlighted in his letter were:

• Immediately cancel the permit for "scientific exploration and excavation/systematic recovery of low-grade iron ore in existing mines in villages Hedri, Bande, Parsalgondi and Round-Parsalgondhi, Taluka Etapalli, District Gadchiroli."
• Dissolve the State Board for Wildlife and review its decisions over the past 3 years, more so the ones to dissolve tiger corridors for hazardous activities
• Suspend and investigate the PCCF M. Srinivasa Reddy for his contrarian stands, thereby causing damage to the flora and fauna, and his duty

The allegations have reignited concerns over the balance between industrial development and wildlife conservation in Maharashtra, which is home to several tiger reserves and critical wildlife corridors connecting protected forest areas.