Goa, Dec. 24 -- In a major setback to environmentalists, the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) has granted approval to the South Western Railway (SWR) to commence iron ore handling operations within the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa.

The clearance permits the use of 0.7616 hectares of forest land at the Kalem railway godown, located inside the sanctuary area. According to official sources, the approval has been granted under strict conditions, aimed at minimising any potential damage to the forest ecosystem and wildlife habitat.

The decision allows the South Western Railway to handle iron ore within the protected area, a move that has sparked concern among conservationists and environmental groups, who fear long-term ecologi...