Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The debate over ore transportation through Goa’s protected forests has resurfaced, with the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) granting it’s nod to South Western Railway for handling iron ore at Kalem railway station—inside the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park.
However, the SWRL will now have to seek the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) clearance.
According to the project details, the activity covers a total of 0.7616 hectares within the protected zone, which includes the railway yard and its approach road located in a village in Sanguem taluka.
The Chief Wildlife Warden has endorsed the proposal, with a condition that the project proponent must take adequate measures to prevent any harm to the forest ecosystem and wildlife habitat while carrying out the work.
The move comes against the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s order maintaining status quo on all development works in areas identified by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) as part of a proposed tiger reserve in Goa. The apex court has also directed the Central Empowered Committee to examine the issue.
Environmental concerns have long shadowed the Kalem station project. In January, the Goa Foundation challenged the ore handling in court, warning of ecological damage from truck movement and loading operations.
The High Court subsequently directed that the proposal be scrutinised under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, following which the Chief Wildlife Warden asked the railways to apply for clearance.
The project has seen pushback within the board itself. Sanvordem MLA Ganesh Gaonkar earlier suggested shifting ore activities to a yard located 2 km outside the sanctuary, while other members highlighted the need for an expert committee to study the impact on wildlife beyond the existing Pollution Control Board conditions.
