Overview
- On June 4 Aaditya Thackeray wrote to the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Union environment minister asking them to cancel a permit for “scientific exploration and excavation/systematic recovery of low‑grade iron ore” in four Gadchiroli villages.
- Thackeray says the land for the 9.4 sq km project overlaps a wildlife corridor used by tigers to move between Tadoba‑Andhari and Indravati reserves and that the Maharashtra State Board for Wildlife approved mining there.
- He highlighted two contradictory letters from PCCF M. Srinivasa Reddy — one on April 28 saying areas with active tiger movement can be corridors and need NTCA/NBWL clearance, and a May 21 note withdrawing that guidance.
- Thackeray demanded the SBWL be dissolved, its recent decisions reviewed, and the PCCF suspended and investigated, and he linked the proposal to commercial interests reported to involve Lloyd Metals.
- The dispute is already before the Bombay High Court, the state and company have not issued substantive responses, and the case follows a recent cancelled mine protest that shows central scrutiny can reverse state approvals.