Chhattisgarh forest department recommended diversion of 1,742.6 hectares of forest land having a coal block for a proposed open-cast mine and integrated washery project in the ecologically sensitive Hasdeo forest in Surguja district, leading to protests by opposition Congress and environmental activists.
The recommendation, which was put on hold by the earlier Congress govt, now awaits nod from the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC). The recommendation – for Kente Extension coal block in favour of Rajasthan Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited – was made by Surguja DFO, based on a site inspection carried out on June 26.
The recommendation was uploaded on July 7 on the MoEFCC website.
Bhupesh Baghel, former chief minister of Chhattisgarh, accused the BJP govt of betraying tribal communities and forest protection pledges by recommending forest clearance in Hasdeo.
Taking to social media on Monday, Baghel said, “The BJP govt that once raised the slogan ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ is now clearing the way to cut down 6 lakh trees in Hasdeo’s dense forests.”
The former Chhattisgarh chief minister said the forest clearance, which was withheld under his govt, has now been “permitted to benefit corporate interests”.
Baghel pointed out that the Kente Extension coal block spans 1,760 hectares, of which 1,742 hectares (99 per cent) is dense forest and also part of the Chornai river catchment area, vital for local water security and biodiversity.
TOI sought the state govt’s response on these allegations, but it has not responded yet.
