Chhattisgarh’s Coal Mining Plan Sparks Forest Rights Dispute

Chhattisgarh’s proposal to divert 1,742 hectares of Hasdeo forest for coal mining has ignited protests over ecological damage and violations of tribal rights.

Chhattisgarh’s plan to allocate 1,742 hectares of Hasdeo Aranya forest in Surguja district for the Kente extension coal block has triggered widespread opposition. The project, which could fell over 600,000 trees, threatens one of India’s last old-growth forests and the livelihoods of tribal communities. The Centre’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) recommended clearance in May 2025, despite 1,623 objections raised during public hearings, prompting accusations of ignoring ecological and legal concerns.

The Kente extension, with an estimated 200 million tonnes of coal, follows earlier tree-felling in Raigarh’s Gare Palma Sector II, where 5,000 trees were cut in June 2025. Environmental groups like Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan argue that mining in the Chornai River’s catchment, near the Lemru Elephant Reserve, risks biodiversity loss and human-elephant conflicts. The Wildlife Institute of India has recommended a mining moratorium in the region due to its ecological sensitivity.

Protests erupted in July 2025, with thousands opposing the forest department’s alleged undermining of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006, which grants tribal communities control over forest lands. Critics claim the state prioritises coal over constitutional protections, echoing tensions in Kerala over offshore mining. The EAC’s clearance process, lacking transparency, has fuelled distrust, with activists demanding the project’s withdrawal per a 2022 state resolution against Hasdeo mining.

The coal sector is vital to India’s energy needs, contributing 55% of power generation, but forest diversion risks long-term environmental costs. Chhattisgarh’s forests store 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon, critical for climate goals. Alternatives like renewable energy expansion, as seen with JSW Energy’s hydro project, could reduce reliance on coal while preserving ecosystems.

In conclusion, Chhattisgarh’s coal mining push in Hasdeo highlights the conflict between development and environmental preservation. Respecting tribal rights and ecological limits is essential for sustainable progress.

Source: Outlook Business