In Chhattisgarh’s dense Hasdeo forests, environmental nod granted for mining in Kente extension coal block

2026-07-04 · 4 min

UPSC CSE Context Why in News: Environment Ministry granted environmental clearance for Kente extension coal block in Hasdeo Arand forests. Syllabus Connection: Environment and Ecology: Environmental Impact Assessment, Forest Conservation, Biodiversity; Governance: Coal mining clearances, tribal rights. Exam Relevance: Highlights tension between energy security and forest conservation, relevant for questions on EIA, forest clearance, and sustainable development. Core Issue Coal mining clearance in biodiversity rich Hasdeo forests despite expert warnings. Stakeholders: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Chhattisgarh government Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Ltd Adani Group Wildlife Institute of India Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education Local tribal communities Congress party Static Knowledge High Value Background: Hasdeo Arand forests are part of Central India's largest unfragmented forests, rich in Sal and teak, and serve as elephant corridor. Environmental

## UPSC CSE Context **Why in News:** Environment Ministry granted environmental clearance for Kente extension coal block in Hasdeo-Arand forests. **Syllabus Connection:** Environment and Ecology: Environmental Impact Assessment, Forest Conservation, Biodiversity; Governance: Coal mining clearances, tribal rights. **Exam Relevance:** Highlights tension between energy security and forest conservation, relevant for questions on EIA, forest clearance, and sustainable development. ## Core Issue Coal mining clearance in biodiversity-rich Hasdeo forests despite expert warnings. **Stakeholders:** - Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change - Chhattisgarh government - Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Ltd - Adani Group - Wildlife Institute of India - Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education - Local tribal communities - Congress party ## Static Knowledge **High-Value Background:** - Hasdeo-Arand forests are part of Central India's largest unfragmented forests, rich in Sal and teak, and serve as elephant corridor. - Environmental clearance (EC) is granted under EIA Notification, 2006; forest clearance under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. **Exam Linkage:** - Useful for questions on coal mining vs. forest conservation, EIA process, and biodiversity offsets. **Concepts in Context:** - No-go zone: areas where mining is prohibited due to high forest and wildlife value. - Integrated coal block: includes both mining and washery (coal beneficiation) in one proposal. **Institutions and Mechanisms:** - Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for coal mining projects under MoEFCC. ## Dynamic Analysis ### Environment and Ecology - Clearance contradicts 2021 WII biodiversity assessment recommending no mining except in already operational mines. - Felling of 4.48 lakh trees and diversion of 1,742.6 ha forest land will fragment habitat for elephants and tigers. - Phased tree felling condition may not mitigate cumulative impact on biodiversity and ecosystem services. - Hasdeo river catchment degradation could affect Mahanadi river system and downstream water availability. ### Governance and Policy - Clearance process shows tension between expert recommendations and developmental priorities. - In-principle forest clearance granted before final EC indicates sequential but potentially rubber-stamping approval. - Rehabilitation of 56 families raises concerns about adequacy of R&R in forest-dependent tribal areas. - Coal linkage to Rajasthan plants highlights inter-state resource allocation and energy security considerations. ### Legal and Institutional - EC granted despite earlier no-go zone status for Hasdeo forests, questioning the permanence of such designations. - Conditional clearance with biodiversity safeguards may be difficult to enforce post-facto. - Role of ICFRE and WII assessments in decision-making appears advisory, not binding. ### Social and Tribal Rights - Affected families are tribal; displacement may lead to loss of livelihood and cultural identity. - Local opposition from Congress and tribal communities reflects political and social contestation. - Forest Rights Act (2006) implementation in this context is unclear from the article. ## Mains Value Addition **Arguments:** - Coal mining in ecologically sensitive forests undermines India's climate commitments and biodiversity goals. - Phased tree felling and translocation are inadequate to compensate for loss of old-growth forest ecosystem. - Inter-state coal transport raises carbon footprint, questioning the net environmental benefit. - Expert assessments (WII, ICFRE) should have greater weight in clearance decisions to prevent irreversible damage. **Examples:** - Parsa and PEKB mines already operational in Hasdeo forests, showing cumulative impact of multiple clearances. **Data Points:** - 1,742.6 ha forest land diverted; 4.48 lakh trees to be felled. - 9 million tonnes per annum production capacity. **Counterpoints:** - Coal mining supports energy security for Rajasthan, a power-deficient state. - Clearance includes strict environmental safeguards and phased tree felling to minimize impact. - Rehabilitation plan for affected families is approved by state government. ## Way Forward - Strengthen the legal status of no-go zones and biodiversity assessments to prevent ad-hoc clearances. - Implement cumulative impact assessment for all mines in a forest landscape before granting new clearances. - Ensure independent monitoring of compliance with environmental conditions, especially tree felling and translocation. - Promote alternative livelihoods for affected tribal communities through skill development and forest-based enterprises. - Expedite transition to renewable energy to reduce dependence on coal from ecologically sensitive areas.

Source: National Affairs