📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Geological Survey of India
Politics
Madhya Pradesh Govt Approves Coal Mine Near Umaria Tiger Corridor, Opposition Criticises
✍️ Amar Ujala · Madhya Pradesh
🗓 24 Sep 2026, 08:15 AM
👁 9
The state cabinet gave the green light to a proposed coal mine close to the Banawagadh‑Achanakmar tiger corridor in Umaria, prompting Congress leader Jitu Patwari to challenge the Mohan administration's decision.
The Madhya Pradesh cabinet has approved a proposal to develop a coal mine near the Banawagadh‑Achanakmar tiger corridor in the district of Umaria. The decision, announced earlier this week, follows a detailed feasibility study submitted by the state mining department and is expected to boost local revenue and employment.
Congress state president Jitu Patwari publicly questioned the move, arguing that the mine could threaten the ecological integrity of the tiger corridor and undermine wildlife conservation efforts. Patwari urged the Mohan government to reconsider the approval and explore alternative sites that do not encroach on protected habitats.
Environmental groups have also expressed concern, citing potential habitat fragmentation and increased human‑wildlife conflict. The mining company has pledged to adopt mitigation measures, but critics say the safeguards may be insufficient.
The approval comes amid broader debates in Madhya Pradesh over balancing industrial development with biodiversity conservation, especially in regions that host endangered species such as the Bengal tiger.
The final mining plan is slated for implementation pending standard clearances, while opposition leaders have pledged to raise the issue in the state assembly.
Congress state president Jitu Patwari publicly questioned the move, arguing that the mine could threaten the ecological integrity of the tiger corridor and undermine wildlife conservation efforts. Patwari urged the Mohan government to reconsider the approval and explore alternative sites that do not encroach on protected habitats.
Environmental groups have also expressed concern, citing potential habitat fragmentation and increased human‑wildlife conflict. The mining company has pledged to adopt mitigation measures, but critics say the safeguards may be insufficient.
The approval comes amid broader debates in Madhya Pradesh over balancing industrial development with biodiversity conservation, especially in regions that host endangered species such as the Bengal tiger.
The final mining plan is slated for implementation pending standard clearances, while opposition leaders have pledged to raise the issue in the state assembly.