The Adani Group’s plan to establish an underground coal mine in the Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh has sparked significant concern among local residents and environmental advocates. Located near the crucial Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve, this project raises important questions about its potential effects on water resources, forests, and wildlife. With the Modi government allowing an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the Gondbahera Ujheni coal block, the clash between industrial development and environmental conservation is increasingly apparent.

The proposed mine, led by MP Natural Resources Private Limited, is set to extract 4.12 million tons per annum (MTPA) from the Gondbahera Ujheni block, which contains approximately 723 million tons of coal. This block was allocated to the Adani Group in June 2023 during a government auction. The lease covers 1,926.426 hectares, including extensive agricultural and government land, affecting five local villages.

Although the company claims that surface activities will only occur on 40.33 hectares of non-forest land, it has also requested the diversion of 461.777 hectares of forest land—an application that has raised concerns among environmentalists. While the Adani Group asserts that no trees will be cut down due to the underground nature of the mining operation, local communities worry about potential damage to aquifers and the resulting depletion of water resources essential for the region’s biodiversity.

The mining site’s proximity to the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve—just 22 kilometers away—has heightened fears about its impact on local wildlife.

A local activist criticized the contradictions in government policy. “On one hand, the government seeks to expand wildlife reserves by displacing communities who have lived in harmony with nature for generations. On the other hand, it permits the expansion of industries near these reserves,” he explained. This reflects a larger concern about the balance between environmental responsibility and industrial growth in Madhya Pradesh, a key habitat for tigers.

Madhya Pradesh is home to at least six tiger reserves, with Sanjay Dubri serving as a vital ecosystem. According to government data, the tiger population in the state has surged from around 300 in 2006 to 785 in 2022. The Sanjay Dubri reserve connects with other wildlife reserves across state borders, facilitating the movement of various animals, including elephants and deer.

Environmentalists argue that the proposed mining activities could disrupt these essential animal corridors. “This area serves as a corridor connecting multiple tiger reserves in central India. The cumulative impact of these mines on wildlife could be significant,” they warn, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive study to evaluate the potential impacts of the mining project before any approvals are granted.

The Madhya Pradesh government has faced backlash for prioritizing industrial growth over environmental sustainability. Previous attempts to expand the tiger reserve have resulted in the displacement of entire tribal communities, leading to accusations of inconsistency. Local residents, who rely on the land for their livelihoods, fear that the mine will further complicate their struggles while threatening the ecological balance of the region.

This situation underscores the larger debate over resource extraction in India, where rapid industrialization often conflicts with conservation efforts. As demand for coal and other resources continues to rise, the challenge lies in reconciling economic growth with the need to protect ecosystems that are vital for biodiversity and the survival of numerous species, including the iconic Bengal tiger.

In response to these developments, community groups and environmental activists are rallying to express their concerns. They are advocating for increased transparency in the EIA process and pushing for a more sustainable approach to resource management that takes into account the long-term health of both local communities and the environment.