Save Hasdeo Arand: PM Modi, CM Sai's effigies burnt as protestors accuse BJP of betraying tribals, favouring Adani

Save Hasdeo Arand: Tensions escalated in Chhattisgarh as the controversy surrounding the Hasdeo Aranya issue intensified. Congress, pointing fingers at the BJP government, alleged undue favouritism towards Adani.

In a fervent demonstration in Raipur, Youth Congress activists vehemently voiced their dissent, targeting PM Modi, Adani, and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. The protesters demanded an immediate halt to the felling of trees in the Hasdeo forest.

Protest Highlights: Youth Congress Raises the Heat

Youth Congress set ablaze the effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in protest against the commencement of felling and mining activities in Hasdeo Sanctuary, contrary to public sentiments.

Key figures within the Youth Congress, including UNC State Secretary Pankaj Raj Wadhwani and Assembly Speaker Akash Yadu, have urged an immediate cessation of deforestation in Hasdeo and the cancellation of leases.

Allegations Against BJP Government: Protecting Adani at the Cost of Environment

The issue of tree-cutting in Hasdeo, Chhattisgarh, gained momentum as Youth Congress staged a demonstration in Raipur against Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Prime Minister Modi.

Accusing the BJP government of shielding Adani, Congress members claimed that despite being in power for only 15 days, the BJP had resumed the felling of Hasdeo forest.

#Hasdeo में कोयला खनन और कॉरपोरेट मुनाफे के लिए जंगलों की निर्मम हत्या और आदिवासी समुदाय पर दमन के खिलाफ आज राजधानी रायपुर में नागरिक प्रतिरोध मार्च निकाला गया।#हसदेव_जंगल_बचाओ #हसदेव_बचाओ_आदिवासी_बचाओ pic.twitter.com/oW7d53Q5WL

— SaveHasdeo (@SHasdeo) December 28, 2023

Demand for a Ban on Tree Felling: Accusations of a Conspiracy

Vinod Kashyap, President of Raipur District Youth Congress, accused the BJP of plotting to destroy the Hasdeo forest.

He stated, "The BJP government was formed in the state 15 days ago, and the felling of Hasdeo forest has already begun. The Bharatiya Janata Party is conspiring to obliterate the Hasdeo forest and is providing protection to Adani."

Kashyap highlighted the contrast with the previous Congress government, which had imposed a ban on tree cutting in Hasdeo.

Effigy Burning: A Symbolic Protest

In a symbolic act of protest, Youth Congress leaders and activists burned effigies of Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai with pictures of Gautam Adani at the Budha Talab protest site in Raipur.

Despite police attempts to quell the protesters, Youth Congress members vociferously expressed their grievances. Slogans against the BJP government echoed through the protest site.

Singh Deo's Perspective: Understanding Tribal Values

Congress leader and former Deputy CM of Chhattisgarh, TS Singh Deo, commented on the mining issue in Hasdeo forest, stating, "Tribals themselves, along with CM Vishnu Deo, will definitely understand the value of water, forest, and land."

Hasdeo Arand Forest: A Decade-Long Struggle

The Hasdeo Aranya forest, situated in the Surguja division of Chhattisgarh, harbours approximately 23 coal reserves. Local opposition to the allocation and mining of these coal mines has persisted for the last decade.

The region has witnessed protests against coal mine allocation and deforestation for coal mining, with the contentious issue transcending changes in both central and state governments.

The latest protest reflects the ongoing struggle between environmental concerns and industrial interests in the region.

The complex dynamics of this long-standing conflict continue to pose challenges for the authorities and environmental activists alike.