The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has granted environmental clearance for the diversion of 874.924 hectares of forest land in Chhattisgarh's Bailadila Reserve Forest, allowing state-owned NMDC to expand iron ore mining operations in Dantewada district. The Expert Appraisal Committee, during its 57th meeting, endorsed the proposal for Bailadila Iron Ore Mine Deposit-11, located in the Kirandul Complex of South Bastar.

The approved expansion will boost iron ore production capacity from 11.30 million tonnes per annum to 14.50 million tonnes per annum, while increasing waste excavation from 2.70 million tonnes per annum to 15.39 million tonnes per annum. The Bailadila range, renowned for its high-grade hematite deposits and distinctive ox-hump-shaped peaks, holds geological reserves of 558.84 million tonnes, with 351.32 million tonnes deemed mineable.

NMDC secured initial forest clearance for the land in March 2020, valid until September 2037. To address ecological impacts, the company has prepared a site-specific wildlife conservation plan and deposited Rs 10.25 crore with the Divisional Forest Officer in Dantewada for mitigation efforts.

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The Bailadila Reserve Forest boasts significant biodiversity, hosting mammals such as sloth bears, leopards, jungle cats, jackals, sambar, Bengal foxes, grey mongooses, Indian pangolins, Indian porcupines, and giant flying squirrels. It also supports reptiles including Bengal monitors, pythons, Indian rat snakes, cobras, and Russell’s vipers, alongside bird species like the Bastar Hill Myna, Common Peafowl, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Brown Fish Owl, Common Barn Owl, and Cotton Pygmy Goose.

Despite the clearance, the project has sparked opposition, with local youths and political groups staging protests in Dantewada on January 5, voicing concerns over potential damage to ancient trees, vital water sources, and rare wildlife habitats in the ecologically sensitive region.

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