Chhattisgarh
Deforestation for Mining in Chhattisgarh
- 26 Jul 2024
- 3 min read
Why in News?
According to the Centre approximately 273,000 additional trees are expected to be cut down for mining activities in the Hasdeo Arand forests, as the wildlife and biodiversity institutions have not recommended a total prohibition on mining in the area.
Key Points
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) provided information on two of the most contentious environmental issues in the country. The diversion of forests from Hasdeo Arand in Chhattisgarh and the Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island in Andaman & Nicobar Islands project of Niti Aayog.
- The Government of Chhattisgarh commissioned the Indian Council of Forestry, Research and Education, Dehradun, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India to carry out a Biodiversity Assessment Study of the entire Hasdeo-Arand Coalfields region.
- The study was conducted, and the report was subsequently submitted to the ministry of environment, forest & climate change.
- According to the report, 94,460 trees have been felled in Parsa East Kete Basen Mine, while over 5.3 million trees were planted as compensatory afforestation, mine reclamation and translocation.
- As informed by the Chhattisgarh government, 273,757 trees are required to be felled in the coming years for mining in Hasdeo Arand.
- Hasdeo Arand is one of the largest contiguous stretches of very dense forest in central India spanning 170,000 hectares and has 23 coal blocks.
- In 2009, the environment ministry categorised Hasdeo Arand to be a “No-Go” zone for mining because of its rich forest cover but allowed it again because there was no policy finalised.
Hasdeo Arand Forest
- Hasdeo Arand, a sprawling forest in the northern part of Chhattisgarh is known for its biodiversity and its coal deposits.
- The forest falls under Korba, Sujapur and Surguja districts with significant tribal population.
- The Hasdeo river, a tributary of Mahanadi, flows through it.
- Hasdeo Arand is the largest un-fragmented forest in Central India consisting of pristine Sal (Shorea robusta) and teak forests.
- It is a noted migratory corridor and has a significant presence of elephants.
