<h1>Environment authority defers approval for proposed bauxite mine over unresolved community consent, compensatory afforestation, and ecological risks</h1> The central environment authority deferred approval for a proposed bauxite mine that seeks diversion of 708 hectares of forest within a 1,548-hectare lease, citing unresolved issues about community consent, compensatory afforestation and ecological risks. Records show state submissions did not address village and petitioner concerns flagged in court, which alleged that local approvals were fraudulently obtained and directed affected communities be consulted. The advisory committee also noted the area overlaps elephant habitat and is prone to severe soil erosion, requested an erosion-control plan, Project Elephant input and site-wise proof that compensatory land is suitable and unencroached.