Maha puts mining project near Chanda tiger corridor on hold

Chandrapur: Maharashtra govt has put the proposed Lohardongri iron ore mining project in Chandrapur district on hold, citing ongoing legal proceedings and growing environmental concerns. The decision was conveyed to Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court on Tuesday.A division bench of Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode recorded govt's decision and made it clear the mine cannot resume in future without prior permission from the high court.The project had faced strong resistance from environmental organisations and local citizens as the site is located in a sensitive forest area within Bramhapuri forest division. Experts had warned mining here could threaten habitat of around 60 tigers, including 8 near the project. Despite an adverse report from a state-level expert committee, the project had earlier received govt approval.