Biodiversity conservation at Noamundi exemplifies Tata Steel’s commitment towards sustainable mining

Noamundi (West Singhbhum), Noamundi, located in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, has a wealth of diverse flora and fauna and is a natural habitat to several unique species of reptiles and birds. Over the last century, Tata Steel’s iron ore mine located in Noamundi has contributed in preserving and enhancing the biodiversity in this region with its commitment towards sustainable mining practices and by introducing several unique initiatives such as celebration of World Biodiversity Day, the Annual Flower Show, Snakes are Friends Programme and Jaiba Kala Vividhata among others. These programmes have also been responsible in increasing awareness about conservation of biodiversity in the region.

In 2016, Tata Steel adopted a company-wide Biodiversity Policy to achieve ‘No Net Loss’ in biodiversity in its areas of operation. In this regard, Biodiversity Management Plans were developed by Tata Steel as a result of a comprehensive assessment done by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). To further this, several initiatives including Niche Nesting was set up in Noamundi. The Niche Nesting initiative has provided over 130 nesting boxes for the conservation of 18 species of birds in the vicinity.

Afforestation in reclaimed areas post mining and creation of several parks such Sir Dorabji Tata Botanical Park, Hibiscus Park, Nakshatra Park and Medicinal Park in Noamundi are also a reflection of Tata Steel’s commitment towards preserving the green cover in mining areas. The Hibiscus Park, spread over 3000 square metres of area, houses more than 50 species of hibiscus including Mallorca, Velachery, Hawaii and Moscheutos varieties. Sir Dorabji Tata Park, established in 1996, also hosts a Butterfly Park, a Cactus House, an Amazon Rain Forest and a Rainwater Harvesting Park inside its premises. These parks have been crucial in preserving the natural habitat of several animal, plant and insect species while also improving the climatic conditions of the region.

Apart from being a business leader in steel making, mining, and manufacturing, Tata Steel has gone beyond the regulatory regimes to establish a benchmark in sustainable mining and conservation of biodiversity throughout the years and will continue to do so to shape a greener tomorrow.