Recently, the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has allowed coal mining in a forest area in Chandrapur, Maharashtra. This region is part of a sensitive tiger corridor used to allow the safe movement of tigers. Many people who care for the environment are worried. They feel this project will threaten the habitat of the tigers and other species in this area.
The proposed mining area is near Tadoba National Park, which is one of the most recognized wildlife reserves in India and very popular among tourists, especially those making Tadoba safari bookings for wildlife sightings. Now, these are under threat by the coal mining project. Experts think that mining in this sensitive forest can cause a lot of harm. This can harm and remove many animals and plants. It can also break the forest into smaller parts, which makes life harder for wildlife.
What Is Tadoba National Park?
Tadoba National Park is in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. It is one of the oldest and most well-known tiger reserves in India. This wildlife sanctuary was created in 1955. Later, in 1986, another area called the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was declared. In 1995, both areas were joined together to form what is now called the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.
Tadoba Park is a very important place for saving tigers. The place is part of the Central Indian Tiger Landscape. This big area helps tigers move between different forests. This movement is important for the health of tiger populations. Tadoba has a good number of tigers, along with many other animals and plants. Because of this, it attracts many nature lovers and tourists. People from all over the country and even from other countries come here. Tadoba safari booking is very popular among tourists who want to see tigers and other wild animals.
Wildlife And Forest Features
Tadoba National Park contains a great amount of flora and fauna. It also has a decent population of Royal Bengal tigers, sloth bears, leopards, Indian gaurs, wild dogs, and many varieties of birds. They live in the forest, and they need the forest to provide food and safety.
With the Andhari River flowing through and a large water body (Tadoba Lake), water is plentiful for the plants and animals in the park. There is also quite a lot of teak and bamboo trees, and they naturally grow close together to shelter wildlife. The forest is dense, which helps the soil stay strong and also makes the air cleaner to breathe. Many tourists visiting the park enjoy animals in their natural habitat. Tadoba Park has animals to see and is also fun for tourists.
What Is The Tiger Corridor?
A tiger corridor is a thin forest path joining big forests. It helps tigers and animals move safely from one area to another. In the case of Tadoba, the corridor connects three significant places – Tadoba National Park, Kanhargaon Wildlife Sanctuary, and Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.
These forest links help the tiger travel, find new homes, and meet other tigers, helping to keep the tiger population strong. It can also reduce issues associated with inbreeding, which can weaken animals over time. The corridor allows tigers to move away from populated areas, reducing the chances they would encounter a person, which is especially important near farms and villages. If the corridors are destroyed or compromised, tigers will have a hard time travelling through the forests to the neighbouring forests, which creates a dangerous situation for both animals and people.
What Is The New Coal Mining Project?
The Durgapur Opencast Mine is a new coal mining project by Western Coalfields Ltd, a part of Coal India Limited. It has received permission to use 80.77 hectares of forest land. This area is part of a tiger corridor, which connects the Tadoba, Kanhargaon, and Tipeshwar forests.
The main issue is this region is known as a migratory area for tigers and other animals who move safely from one forest to the other. Mining will take away trees and disturb the land. Coal is an important resource for electricity and factories, however, mining in such a forest area can be very dangerous. Mining will impact wildlife, destroy wildlife habitat, and disrupt the ecosystem in that area.
Why Are Experts Worried?
Various scientists and wildlife experts are concerned about the mining project. They say it is in a critical tiger corridor. If the forest is removed, wildlife like tigers, leopards, and birds will lose their home. They will not be able to feed or shelter because there won’t be trees or vegetation. Mining will also block the natural paths that tigers use to cross between forests. Tigers cannot move because of the mining. They may have to live in one area, causing a lowering of numbers.
Experts say if tigers lose their usual paths, they may go into villages. This can give rise to conflict between people and animals. Activities related to mining also bring lights, noise, and more people or activity than usual – animals may be scared off their established route or may change their behavior patterns. Many animals may leave the area altogether. Additionally, if tigers aren’t able to meet tigers from other areas, their numbers can become vulnerable. All these things can reduce the number of strong animals and plants in the forest.
Steps Taken To Reduce Impact
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) made a plan to reduce the bad effects of mining on forests and animals. This plan costs ₹18.07 crore. It includes building fences to keep animals away from mining areas and removing a fast-growing plant called Prosopis.
The plan also includes field surveys to examine how animals live and move. Experts will use this information to make better decisions. However, many experts would argue that this plan does not go far enough. In order to avoid disturbance to vital areas of the forest, it would be better to stop mining altogether and protect the environment.
What This Means For Visitors
Mining activity near Tadoba may disturb animals and reduce chances for tourists to see tigers and other wildlife. Mining may reduce animals, and the safari becomes less enjoyable. These problems can reduce Tadoba safari bookings.
Mining can also damage the forest, making it less green and beautiful. Fewer tourists may visit if the park loses its natural beauty. Tourism provides jobs to local people and protects the forest. If there are fewer tourists, they’re bad for animals and local people. Tourists can say yes to responsible travel and should help support the park by staying informed.
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