Nagpur Suspends Adani Mine Hearing Amid Public Outcry.

Nagpur Halts Adani Mine After Public Outcry

• Public Hearing Suspended Amid Adani Coal Mine Protests

• Nagpur’s Water at Risk

• Adani’s Nagpur Project Sparks Outrage

A public hearing for Adani’s Ambuja Cement coal mine in Nagpur was suspended due to massive protests. Villagers and opposing BJP/Congress leaders fear severe water pollution and ecological damage from the underground project.

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board suspends an environmental clearance hearing for Ambuja Cements’ Dahegaon-Gowari underground mine amid fierce opposition from villagers and cross-party political leaders.

A scheduled public hearing for the proposed Adani-owned Ambuja Cements coal mine in Nagpur was abruptly suspended on Wednesday after hundreds of furious local residents stormed the venue. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) officially called off the environmental clearance process, citing “public unrest” and safety concerns.

The Dahegaon-Gowari coal mine project, a 1,562-hectare underground operation, faces mounting resistance over fears of severe water pollution and ecological damage to the region. The Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) reviewed official documents and witness accounts from the chaotic scene.

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Political Unity Forms Against Adani Coal Mine Development

In a rare show of agreement, leaders from both the BJP and Congress parties stood alongside villagers in vehement opposition to the project. Prominent figures present included BJP District President Manohar Kumbhare, Congress’s former MLA Sunil Kedar, and BJP leader Dr. Rajiv Potdar. Their unified front signals significant political hurdles for the Adani Group’s expansion, elevating the issue from a local environmental concern to a major state-level political challenge.

Why Nagpur Villagers Are Protesting the Underground Mine

Local residents from villages like Gowari, Sindhi Khairi, and Tondakheri argue the mine threatens their primary water source. The site lies merely 4.2 kilometers from the Balasaheb Thakre Gorewada International Zoo and is close to numerous schools and colleges. Protesters fear the operations will contaminate rivers and lakes that supply drinking and agricultural water for over ten lakh people. Despite a heavy police deployment, led by Additional SP Anil Mhaskey, the crowd’s intensity overwhelmed officials, forcing the hearing’s cancellation.

Adani Group’s Defense: Zero Waste and Job Promises

In response to the backlash, an Adani Foundation spokesperson issued a detailed clarification. The company asserts that only 24.05 hectares will be used for surface operations, emphasizing that the underground coal mining method will cause “no displacement or surface subsidence.” They project a “zero waste system” where all extracted water will be recycled and reused within the operations. The company also highlights potential local employment opportunities, a point heavily contested by protesters who prioritize ecological security over jobs.

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Chaos in Gondkhairi Gram Sabha Adds Fuel to the Fire

In a related incident that underscores the community’s tension, a special gram sabha in Gondkhairi village descended into chaos. Vijay Atkari, the husband of the village Sarpanch, allegedly physically assaulted and verbally abused a youth. The altercation began when villagers started discussing the recent revocation of the Adani Foundation’s No-Objection Certificate (NOC). This event, investigated by the Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT), reveals the deep social and political divisions the project has sparked at the grassroots level.

The Road Ahead for MPCB and Environmental Clearance

The suspension of the public hearing leaves the project’s future in limbo. The MPCB and district administration must now navigate intense public sentiment and political pressure before any rescheduling can be considered. For the project to proceed, Ambuja Cements must convincingly address the widespread concerns over water pollution and ecological impact. This case sets a critical precedent for how industrial projects balance economic development with environmental and community welfare in India.