NGT action regarding Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary: Unauthorized mining

Tags: Environment place in news

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) intervened to address unauthorized mining in Odisha's Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.

An Overview of the News 

• A complaint of unauthorized mining was raised in the eco-sensitive area of Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.

• 97 sand mining sites were given on lease near Similipal-Hadgarh-Kuldiha-Conservation Reserve, especially Sukhuapata Reserve Forest Area.

• These mining activities violate the Forest (Conservation) Act, of 1980, and may harm the ecosystem and wildlife.

• Reference was made to the Supreme Court judgment (Binay Kumar Dalai and others v. State of Odisha and others) which indicated that mining should take place only after implementing a comprehensive wildlife management plan and preserving the traditional elephant corridor.

Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Located in northeastern Odisha, adjacent to the Simlipal National Park.

• Spread over 272.75 sq km, part of the moist deciduous forest region of the Eastern Highlands.

• Connected to Simlipal National Park through Sukhupada and Nato hill ranges.

• Sal trees dominate the mixed deciduous forests.

• These include tigers, leopards, elephants, gaurs, sambars, giant squirrels, hill mynas, peacocks, hornbills, migratory birds, and reptiles.

Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve:

• Part of Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve along with Simlipal and Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuaries.

• Local name: Tenda Elephant Reserve, provides protection to elephants.