Environmental Activist Forcibly Hospitalized During Hunger Strike Against Mining Project
In a dramatic late-night development, police in Chandrapur forcibly shifted environmental activist Bandu Dhotre to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) around 11:40 PM on Monday. Dhotre had been conducting a food renunciation protest against the proposed Lohardongri iron ore mine in the sensitive Tadoba wildlife corridor, with his demonstration entering its fifth day outside the Chandrapur district collectorate.
Police Action Sparks Outrage Among Environmental Groups
The police intervention, justified by authorities citing concerns over Dhotre's health, has triggered sharp reactions from environmental organizations and supporters who have condemned the midnight action. Despite being hospitalized, Dhotre has continued his protest by refusing to take food or oral medication, with hospital authorities reportedly administering treatment through intravenous fluids under medical supervision.
Sources reveal that Dhotre had previously undergone a routine medical examination and had stated in writing, while fully conscious, that he did not wish to be hospitalized. Supporters allege the police intervention was unnecessary as his condition remained stable, with activist Yogeshwar Doodhpachare criticizing the administration's actions and alleging that Dhotre was taken away against his will.
Growing Political Attention to the Environmental Cause
The police action came amid increasing political attention to the protest, occurring just one day after Chandrapur MP Pratibha Dhanorkar extended support and assured that the issue would be raised in the Lok Sabha. Simultaneously, MLC Sudhakar Adbale highlighted the matter in the State Legislative Assembly, indicating the protest's growing significance in political circles.
In Dhotre's absence, his supporters and members of his organization Eco-Pro have continued the agitation at the original protest venue. The protest, led by Eco-Pro president Dhotre, aims to draw attention to the rising number of groups supporting the cause against the proposed mining project in the ecologically sensitive wildlife corridor.
Broad Coalition of Supporters Continues Agitation
The movement has garnered support from diverse organizations, with participants including members of Jijau Brigade, Mahila Congress Committee Chandrapur, Eco-Pro, local self-help groups, the Radhakrishna Yoga Group, and Khawatine-e-Islam. These groups recently organized a symbolic 'thali bajao' demonstration at the protest venue to amplify their message against the Lohardongri iron ore mine proposal.
The controversy centers on the potential environmental impact of the proposed mining operation in the Tadoba wildlife corridor, a critical habitat area that requires protection from industrial development. Environmentalists argue that such projects threaten biodiversity and ecological balance in the region, making Dhotre's protest a focal point for broader conservation concerns.
