Mining in Kete Extension Coal Block | 22 Jul 2024

The Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB) has issued a circular to organize a public consultation for the Parsa East-Kente Basan (PEKB), Parsa and Kete Extension coal block projects in the Hasdeo Arand region.

While some villagers support the project, citing potential development benefits, others have raised concerns.
- The Lemru elephant reserve, established in 2021, has a mining project area within a 10-kilometre radius of the reserve. With mining, the region will witness increased human-elephant conflict.
According to the sources, the public hearing will proceed on 2nd August 2024, as it is a mandatory process for securing environmental clearance.

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.

The reserve is located in the Korba district of Chhattisgarh.
The reserve is aiming at reducing human-animal conflict and destruction of property in addition to providing a permanent habitat to the elephants.
Earlier, the state government notified the reserve (Conservation Reserve) in October 2020 under Section 36A of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (WLPA).
- Section 36A has a special provision that gives the Union government a say in the process of notification in case the land to be notified as conservation reserve has areas belonging to the Centre.
- Elephant reserves are not recognised under the WLPA.