Context:

• The proposed auctioning of 11 mines in Odisha has evoked sharp reactions among environmentalists and citizen groups, who fear that the move could prove disastrous for wildlife as well as the ecosystem.
• Karlapat bauxite block, which is going to be auctioned, is the most controversial of all as it shares its border with Karlapat Sanctuary in Kalahandi district.
• Karlapat is a designated elephant corridor, besides being home to a range of wildlife.
• The mining would dry up 300 large and small streams flowing down from sanctuary.
• The biggest concern in the latest auction bid is opening of virgin areas for mining.
• Wildlife would be pushed into an existential crisis if the government goes ahead with further mining.

About Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary:

• It is a wildlife sanctuary located in Kalahandi district and a popular tourist attraction of Odisha in India.
• It lies within the Eastern Highlands moist deciduous forests ecoregion.
• This sanctuary is home to many wildlife species like tiger, leopard, sambar, nilgai, barking deer, mouse deer, a wide variety of birds like green munia, Great Eared-nightjar and various reptiles.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/environmentalists-concerned-over-plan-to-auction-mining-blocks-in-odisha/article35620313.ece?homepage=true           

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