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

Published 2026-07-04 · Updated 2026-07-04 · 4 min · 608 words

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.

Primary/reference source: National Affairs