Tata Steel Says No Indian Operations Inside Ecologically Sensitive Areas.
MUMBAI (India CSR): Tata Steel reported that its Indian operations do not have any operations or offices located inside Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs), including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, wetlands, biodiversity hotspots, forests and coastal regulation zones. Tata Steel group is among the top global steel companies, having an annual crude steel capacity of 35 million tonnes per annum. The company says all listed sites are complying with environmental approval and clearance conditions.
However, the world’s most geographically diversified steel producer, with operations and commercial presence across the world, has disclosed that several of its operations are located around wildlife sanctuaries, forests and coastal regulation zones, where environmental approvals and clearances are required. According to Tata Steel’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report for FY2025-26, the company has stated that the conditions of environmental approvals and clearances are being complied with at these locations.
25 Sites Listed
Tata Steel, which is aiming for Net Zero by 2045, has listed 25 Indian operations located around ecologically sensitive areas. These include mines, steel plants, processing units and downstream operations. The company has marked “Yes” against all locations for compliance with environmental approval and clearance conditions.
| S. No. | Location | Compliance Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joda East | Yes |
| 2 | Katamati | Yes |
| 3 | Khondbond | Yes |
| 4 | Manmora | Yes |
| 5 | Noamundi | Yes |
| 6 | Vijaya II | Yes |
| 7 | Kalamang West | Yes |
| 8 | Koira | Yes |
| 9 | West Bokaro | Yes |
| 10 | Bamebari | Yes |
| 11 | Joda West | Yes |
| 12 | Tiringpahar | Yes |
| 13 | Sukinda | Yes |
| 14 | Kamarda | Yes |
| 15 | Saruabil | Yes |
| 16 | Gandhalpada | Yes |
| 17 | FAMD-FAP at Athagarh, Bamnipal and Gopalpur, and SSP | Yes |
| 18 | Tata Steel Meramandali Operations | Yes |
| 19 | Tata Steel Jamshedpur Operations | Yes |
| 20 | Tata Steel Tinplate Operations | Yes |
| 21 | Tata Steel Gamharia Operations | Yes |
| 22 | CRM Bara, Jamshedpur Operations | Yes |
| 23 | Tata Steel Sponge Iron Plant, Joda Operations | Yes |
| 24 | Tata Steel Wires Division, Jamshedpur Operations | Yes |
| 25 | Combi Mill Division, Jamshedpur Operations | Yes |
Dimna Lake Link
The company has also noted that Tata Steel operates its Management Development Centre near Dimna Lake, which is located beside the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary in Jamshedpur. The centre has been operating there since 1954.
According to Tata Steel’s BRSR FY2025-26, the term “sensitive ecological zones” refers to environmentally important areas such as wildlife sanctuaries, forests, coastal regulation zones, Natura 2000 sites, Key Biodiversity Areas and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
Focus on Compliance
The disclosure is important because Tata Steel has a large operational footprint in mining and steelmaking regions. Many of these locations are close to forests, wildlife zones and other sensitive landscapes.
Such operations require clearances, monitoring and compliance with environmental conditions. Tata Steel’s statement indicates that the company has not reported non-compliance in this specific disclosure for its Indian operations around ecologically sensitive zones.
Netherlands Site Near Sensitive Areas
Tata Steel Nederland’s main steelmaking site at IJmuiden is located close to several ecologically sensitive areas, including Natura 2000 sites and Key Biodiversity Areas in the Netherlands. Because of this location, TSN is subject to strict environmental permitting and approval requirements.
These include nature permits linked to nitrogen deposition, air emissions, noise, light disturbance and warm-water discharge. For major operational changes and transition projects, including the Green Steel Plan based on DRI-EAF technology, Environmental Impact Assessments and nature assessments are required. The company said temporary and operational impacts on nearby protected areas are assessed and mitigated in line with regulatory requirements.
UK Habitat Management
In the United Kingdom, Tata Steel oversees natural habitats, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The company works with regulators to manage these areas responsibly. Its environmental permits require assessment of operational impacts on nearby habitats, which the company said are generally minimal. Tata Steel also seeks opportunities to support biodiversity on other landholdings and contribute to the UK’s natural heritage.
Biodiversity Risk
In India, Tata Steel now has more than 90% of its steel production from ResponsibleSteelTM certified sites. Tata Steel has identified biodiversity as a business risk, mainly because of forest diversion requirements, restoration of biodiversity loss and related regulatory compliance. The company said it manages these risks through its Biodiversity Policy, Tata Group Aalingana framework, site-specific Biodiversity Management Plans, regulatory compliance and collaboration with communities and authorities.
Broader ESG Context
The company has also said that TSN supports biodiversity through mitigation measures under the Green Steel Plan, risk-based nitrogen management near Natura 2000 sites, reduction of emissions and disturbances, and responsible sourcing practices. In the UK, Tata Steel integrates biodiversity into operations by identifying, protecting and enhancing habitats, while engaging stakeholders and communicating progress.
