How dumping of Iron ore in and around Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is impacting ecology?

The proposed dumping of iron ore in Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa has caused a lot of people to get upset, especially a group called Amche Mollem. The sanctuary, renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, faces an imminent threat due to these proposed activities.

The controversy arises in the wake of a ruling by the High Court of Bombay at Goa, ordering the cessation of ore imports from Karnataka and loading activities at the Kalay Railway Station. This ruling underscores the necessity for forest clearance under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, signifying a pivotal moment in the preservation of this ecological treasure.

Proposed ore dumping upsets sanctuary

The villagers of Kalay, integral stakeholders in this matter, have voiced their concerns over the potential repercussions of iron ore dumping on wildlife and the environment. They fear that the onset of the monsoon season could exacerbate pollution in water bodies within the sanctuary, posing a grave threat to the delicate ecosystem and the health of nearby drinking water sources.

Furthermore, there are apprehensions that the sanctioning of such activities could set a dangerous precedent, opening the floodgates for further exploitation by other entities in the region. Media reports have shed light on the involvement of Vedanta Ltd. in the unloading and loading operations, importing ore from Karnataka without the requisite consent from the Chief Wildlife Warden.

The South Western Railway (SWR) authorities have admitted to lacking the necessary permits for such activities, although they contend that no permit is required as the land falls under railway jurisdiction. These revelations underscore the urgent need for stringent regulatory oversight and enforcement to prevent irreversible damage to this precious ecosystem.

The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, which covers an area of 240 sq km, is part of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot. The sanctuary is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, the Indian bison, the Malabar giant squirrel, and the king cobra. The sanctuary also encompasses the Mollem National Park, which has several natural attractions such as waterfalls, caves, and temples.

Air quality monitored at 23 sites

The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest and most diverse protected areas in Goa, hosting a range of habitats from evergreen forests to grasslands and wetlands. The sanctuary is home to many endemic and threatened species, such as the lion-tailed macaque, the slender loris, the Malabar pied hornbill, and the Nilgiri wood pigeon. The sanctuary also provides important ecosystem services, such as water purification, soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and climate regulation.

However, the sanctuary is under threat from the proposed dumping of iron ore within its boundaries and its eco-sensitive zones. A study revealed the inadequacy of the environment impact assessments (EIAs) for three projects that involve the unloading and loading of iron ore at the Kalay Railway Station, which is located within the sanctuary.

The study found that the EIAs failed to document the baseline biodiversity, assess the cumulative impacts, and propose effective mitigation measures for the projects.

The dumping of iron ore in and around the sanctuary could have serious and irreversible impacts on the ecology of the area. A study assessed the impacts of mining on the water quality and the aquatic biodiversity of the Khandepar River, which flows through the sanctuary.

The study found that mining activities increased the levels of heavy metals, such as iron, manganese, and chromium, in the water and the sediments, affecting the aquatic life and the health of the people who depend on the river for drinking and irrigation.

The iron ore dumping could also affect the terrestrial biodiversity and the habitat quality of the sanctuary. A study by Sreekantha et al. (2010) analysed the impacts of mining on the vegetation and the wildlife of the Western Ghats, which include the sanctuary.

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