Chhattisgarh: Environmental uproar as tree felling commences for coal mine expansion in biodiverse Hasdeo Arand

Save Hasdeo: Amidst widespread protests, the process of tree felling has commenced for the Parsa East and Kete Basan (PEKB) phase-2 extension coal mines in the ecologically diverse Hasdeo Arand region of Surguja district, Chhattisgarh. The controversial move is being carried out with the presence of police security.

Protesters Detained and Opposition Accusations

Activists involved in opposing coal mining in the Hasdeo area reported being detained by the police on Thursday. The Opposition Congress has brought the issue to the state Assembly, accusing the BJP government of showing favouritism towards industrial interests.

Government Permissions and Environmental Concerns

The local administration asserts that it possesses all necessary permissions for the tree felling operations. However, opposition leaders argue that the BJP-led government is prioritising industrial interests over environmental preservation.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, addressing reporters, acknowledged opposition from local residents against deforestation but emphasised that no arrests have been made.

Clearances and Historical Opposition

The forest department initiated the felling for PEKB phase 2 in the Udaipur development block of Surguja district. Police were deployed to maintain law and order, and officials claim the necessary clearances have been granted.

The state government had permitted the non-forestry use of 1,136.328 hectares of forest land for PEKKB phase-II mine (Surguja), allotted to Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL) last year.

Resolution and Past Protests

In July last year, the Chhattisgarh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to cancel the allocation of all coal mining blocks in the Hasdeo forest, one of the last unfragmented forest landscapes in central India.

Previous protests erupted in the region in April when the Chhattisgarh government allotted the Parsa coal mine to Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited, subsequently handed over to the Adani Group for operations.

Current Actions and Activist Condemnation

Despite past attempts to halt tree cutting exercises due to strong local opposition, the state government has resumed the process, drawing condemnation from Alok Shukla, Convener of Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan (CBA), and other activists.

Opposition Leader's Plea

Leader of Opposition Charan Das Mahant raised the issue in the Assembly, expressing concern over the felling of trees in the Hasdeo area. He called for the government to safeguard Hasdeo from environmental degradation and prevent the exploitation of land and forests belonging to the underprivileged.

The unfolding events underscore the ongoing conflict between developmental initiatives and environmental preservation, with activists and opposition leaders advocating for a more sustainable approach.