Elephant tiger corridor altered for Singrauli mine:18 rare species at risk due to deforestation, check how the map was altered in files

Forest officials in Madhya Pradesh have altered maps to approve the Dhirauli coal mine in Singrauli. The mine is in a reserve forest, home to rare wildlife, including elephants and tigers. According to the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, 18 species found here are in Schedule One, meaning their conservation is critical. Despite this, the day the coal block tender was issued, officials claimed the elephant corridor was 5 km away from the mine. Work on felling trees in the 1,400-hectare area has now begun. Old map shows elephant corridor through mine area Earlier maps and reports show that the Dhirauli coal block lies in an elephant corridor. The Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) of Rewa, Rajesh Kumar Rai, confirmed this in his site inspection report of 21 November 2023. The forest department’s work plan from 2019–20 to 2028–29 also listed this area within the corridor. The Singrauli Forest Department’s map marks the area in green to indicate wildlife movement. New map places corridor 5 km away Two years ago, the tender for the coal block was awarded to M/s Stratatech Mineral Resources Pvt. Ltd. A complaint to the Union Environment Ministry said this is a protected area, home to many rare species. In reply, the mining company stated that a new working plan by IFS Rajiv Mishra placed the elephant corridor at least 5 km away. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) similarly limited tiger movement to a 3 km path, ignoring the proximity to Sanjay Dubri National Park. Rich wildlife at risk The Dhirauli forest hosts 18 wildlife species under Schedule 1, including elephants, tigers, leopards, bears, wolves, monitor lizards, pythons, peacocks, vultures, and eagles. The forest department’s official note mentions only the movement of common animals like bears, hyenas, wolves, and jackals, ignoring these rare species. Villagers raise concerns Villagers from Basi Berdah, Dhirauli, Amdad, and Amraikhokh say animals are losing their homes along with humans. Rajpal Khairwar says, “Our forest has medicinal herbs, trees, and grasses. Elephants, tigers, and vultures live here. We are becoming homeless, and so are the animals.” Ajmer Singh adds that the forest is rich in wildlife and warns that mining will increase human-animal conflicts. Experts warn of ecosystem damage Former IFS officer Azad Singh Dabas explains the dangers: Dabas notes that forest officials may have rushed the project approval due to the company’s close ties with government authorities. Dhirauli coal block was earlier a ‘No-Go’ area In 2011, coal blocks were divided into ‘Go’ and ‘No-Go’ zones based on environmental significance. Dhirauli was in the No-Go zone. Approval required completing displacement under the Forest Rights Act and acquiring land for compensatory forest. None of these conditions have been fulfilled, yet tree felling has begun. Environment clearance ignored rules The clearance letter claims no national park or eco-sensitive zone is within 10 km. However, Sanjay Dubri National Park is just 70 metres away. Environmental expert Sharad Lele calls this “shocking” and says the sensitivity of this forest is being ignored. Forest Department officials remain silent Rewa CCF Rajesh Kumar Rai says the forest is “not a permanent habitat” for elephants and tigers. Stage One and Two clearance has been given to the mining company, with certain conditions and undertakings. The elephant corridor was reportedly based on earlier plans, not current animal movement. Questions about changes to the corridor have not been answered by officials. Threat to wildlife conservation Officials claim preventive measures are included in approvals. However, the 18 Schedule 1 species were ignored when approving the coal block. The working plan misrepresented the elephant corridor as being 5 km away, endangering elephants, tigers, and other rare species.