A bauxite and marl mining project in Gujarat’s Devbhumi Dwarka district has received a recommendation for environmental clearance. The site is located 1.6 kilometers from a protected marine wildlife sanctuary, raising potential environmental and regulatory compliance risks for the project developer.
On July 29, 2026, the Ministry of Environment’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) recommended environmental clearance for a new bauxite and marl mining project. The site is located at the Mevasa Block in Gujarat’s Devbhumi Dwarka district, with project development led by L and S Company.
The proposed site is located approximately 1.6 kilometers from India’s first marine wildlife sanctuary and six kilometers from the Marine National Park. These protected areas are situated along the southern coast of the Gulf of Kachchh and are known for their diverse ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and various species of fish and birds.
While the project has received an initial clearance recommendation, this approval is subject to several conditions. The company is required to obtain approval for a wildlife conservation plan from the Gujarat state forest department. Additionally, the project must incorporate interventions to minimize stress on wildlife in the area and address potential man-animal conflict risks.
The environmental impact assessment report for the project claims that the 1.6-kilometer distance serves as a natural physical barrier, minimizing impacts on the sanctuary. However, projects near ecologically sensitive zones often face heightened regulatory scrutiny and the possibility of legal or local challenges. For the project developer, strict adherence to these environmental conditions is critical, as any failure to comply or delays in securing the necessary forest department approvals could disrupt project timelines and increase operational costs.
Investors and stakeholders tracking this development may look for updates on the final approval status and the implementation of the wildlife conservation plan. The project's future execution will depend heavily on the company’s ability to manage these environmental compliance requirements while maintaining the operational scale projected for the Mevasa Block.