Chhattisgarh: Coal mining sparks unrest, security deployment as trees fall in Hasdeo Arand

Save Hasdeo Arand: Amidst tight police security, the contentious Parsa Purva and Kete Basan (PEKB) Phase-2 expansion coal mines initiated tree-cutting in the biodiverse Hasdeo Arand area. Protests erupted as activists claimed police detained those opposing the coal mining, leading to accusations of government favouritism.

Local Administration Asserts Permissions Amid Accusations

The local administration maintained it possessed all necessary permissions for tree-cutting, while Congress accused the BJP government of siding with industrialists. The region witnessed a clash of interests with environmental concerns versus industrial expansions.

Coal Mines' Expansion Sparks Tribal Uprising

The expansion of mines in Hasdev Arand raised concerns among tribals who have been engaged in an indefinite strike to protect their homes and the environment. The government's approval for mine expansion became a flashpoint, leading to protests and legal battles.

Elephant Habitat Under Threat: An Environmental Dilemma

The Hasdev Arand region, rich in biodiversity, faced a dual threat – the destruction of the elephant habitat and potential conflict with humans. Already under the spotlight for crime against elephants, the region witnessed an increase in incidents. A recent encounter resulted in angry elephants destroying 15 houses.

Historical Context: Challenging the 'No-Go Zone' Designation

Despite being designated a 'no-go zone' by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests in 2009, several mining projects proceeded, causing friction with the tribal inhabitants who claimed the expansion violates the Panchayat Extension on Scheduled Area (PESA) Act 1996.

अब भी वक्त है उझड़ते हुए हसदेव जंगल को बचा लीजिये वरना लाखों जीव जंतु मारे जायेंगे
प्रकृति से छेड़छाड़ के गंभीर परिणाम सामने आएंगे, कुदरत किसीको नहीं बसख्ता है!
चाहे वो तानाशाह क्यूँ ना हो?#हसदेव_जंगल_बचाओ@narendramodi @rashtrapatibhvn@UN @Bhilraj11@roat_mla@UNHumanRights pic.twitter.com/t11jHuH4mN

— भील विनोद N.परमार (@VNparmar24) December 24, 2023

Tribals Invoke PESA Law, Fight Against Displacement

Tribals cited the PESA Act, asserting that mining cannot occur on their land without consent. Allegations surfaced that approvals for the mining project were fabricated, and tribes feared displacement and the destruction of their homes and forests.

Police Deployment and Resistance

To curb protests, more than 450 soldiers were deployed, leading to the house arrest of activists. The police presence aimed to prevent any opposition to the tree-cutting operations, and more than 15 activists found themselves under house arrest.

Tree Cutting Begins Amidst Police Cordon

The first day witnessed the cutting of trees in 52 hectares with the aid of 500 saw machines, under the watchful eyes of security forces. Villagers, environmentalists, and activists united in their fight against the environmental impact of the coal mining expansion.

Adani Group Resumes Operations Amidst Local Opposition

Despite local opposition and legal battles, the Adani Group resumed coal mining operations, sparking renewed resistance from villagers and environmental activists.

The battleground in Hasdeo Arand intensified as environmentalists, tribals, and locals united to save their home from the encroaching coal mines, setting the stage for a prolonged struggle between industrial interests and environmental conservation.