Irregularities in Hasdeo Mining Clearance

• 07 Nov 2024

Why in News?

The Chhattisgarh State Scheduled Tribe Commission (CSSTC) has identified irregularities in the environmental clearance process for the Parsa coal mine located in Surguja, Chhattisgarh.

• CSSTC has recommended the revocation of forest clearance for this mining project, situated in Hasdeo, a biodiversity-rich region.

Key Points

• About CSSTC:
  • The Chhattisgarh government formed the Tribal Advisory Council to recommend policies related to Scheduled Tribes.
    • Some of the tribes in Chhattisgarh include the Gonds of Bastar, Baiga tribes, Pahari korwa tribes, Abhuj Maria, BisonHorn Maria, Muria, Halbaa, birhors tribes, Bhatra, and Dhurvaa.
  • The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh is the Chairman of the Council, and the Minister of Tribal and Scheduled Caste Development Department is a member.
• Findings of the CSSTC:
  • Irregularities in Environmental Clearance: The Commission discovered that the environmental clearance for the Parsa coal mine, mandated to be obtained only with gram sabha consent, was secured using forged documents.
  • Alleged Misuse of District Administration: The Commission’s letter stated that the mining company allegedly manipulated district officers and employees to obtain environmental clearance and permission for forest land diversion for the coal mine.
    • The Commission highlighted that such actions infringe on the rights of gram sabhas, recognised as autonomous entities under the Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
  • Complaint from Tribal Villages: The Commission’s investigation was prompted by a complaint in 2021 from 41 residents of Salhi, Hariharpur, and Fatepur villages, alleging that forged gram sabha documents had been used for the project.
• Demand for Cancellation and Legal Action:
  • Following the CSSTC report, the Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan (CBA), which leads anti-mining protests in Hasdeo, called for the cancellation of the mine’s forest and environmental clearances.

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.