Bombay HC asks petitioner to approach NTCA over Gadchiroli mining project

What Happened

The Bombay High Court, Nagpur Bench, directed the petitioner to approach the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to evaluate whether the Gadchiroli mining project site is connected to tiger corridors or landscape units and whether wildlife clearance is required. The court's order, publicized on August 19, 2026, stems from a case challenging three regulatory approvals for diverting 937.077 hectares of forest land for an iron ore mining project by Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd. The petitioner, Sagar Kantilal Devre, had not previously made representations to relevant authorities, and the court suggested channeling grievances through the NTCA given its statutory role. The matter was slated for withdrawal from the court proceedings in favor of a direct NTCA submission with the same concerns.

Why It Matters

The NTCA is seen by the court as best placed to determine wildlife clearance needs by evaluating connectivity to tiger corridors and landscape units, potentially affecting the project’s regulatory path. The decision centers on whether the mining activity requires wildlife clearance and whether the assessment factors (such as corridor analysis and mapping methods) were properly considered in approval processes.

Background

The 937.077-hectare project location covers villages Hedri, Bande, Parsalgondi and Round-Parsalgondi in Etapalli taluk, Gadchiroli district. The state government had cleared the proposal on May 13, permitting the diversion of forest land for iron ore extraction within the tiger corridor framework. The petition contends that wildlife clearance was exempted without evaluating the Tiger Conservation Plan, NTCA guidelines, or scientific maps and reports from the Wildlife Institute of India, or the proponent’s GPS/KML data. The grounds assert potential violations of Wildlife (Protection) Act sections 38-O and 38-V, omissions in GIS-based corridor analysis, radio-telemetry studies, dispersal route assessments, and cumulative impact evaluations. A coalition of twenty civil society groups has urged NTCA to reassess the Least Cost Path model used for corridor mapping.

Key Facts

• Jurisdiction: Bombay High Court, Nagpur Bench
• Subject: 937.077 hectares of forest land diversion for iron ore mining in Gadchiroli district
• Proponent: Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd.
• Petitioner: Sagar Kantilal Devre (Mumbai-based lawyer and social activist)
• Approvals challenged: environmental clearance, Stage-II forest clearance, wildlife clearance exemption
• Location within tiger landscape: Gadchiroli district villages Hedri, Bande, Parsalgondi, Round-Parsalgondi in Etapalli taluk
• State government action: clearance granted on May 13 for 9.4 square kilometres of forest land
• Next procedural step proposed: petitioner to file with NTCA; petition withdrawal from court
• Advocacy note: civil society coalition asks NTCA to reexamine Least Cost Path mapping for the corridor

What Happens Next

The petitioner will submit representations to the NTCA regarding the potential need for wildlife clearance and corridor connectivity. The court has allowed withdrawal of the petition on the condition of presenting the same grievances to NTCA. NTCA’s assessment will determine whether wildlife clearance is necessary and how corridor analysis should be conducted under statutory guidelines.