Congress Criticizes BJP for Approving Coal Mining in Hasdeo-Arand Forest

The Congress party has launched a strong critique against the ruling BJP administration following the government's green light for a coal mining project in Chhattisgarh's resource-rich Hasdeo-Arand forest. They assert that the BJP's regime, described as a 'trouble engine', is willing to overlook environmental impacts and tribal rights to push the project forward.

This development comes after the Environment Ministry's forest advisory committee approved the mining in the region, which is predominantly covered by sal forests, home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants and leopards. The project, earmarked for the Kente Extension Opencast Coal Block, will see the Adani group developing the site, potentially leading to large-scale deforestation and ecological imbalance according to Congress and environmentalists.

Jairam Ramesh of Congress criticized this move, noting it compromises Hasdeo's biodiversity and will exacerbate human-wildlife conflicts due to its proximity to the Lemru elephant corridor. A resolution by the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly in 2022 aimed to prevent such mining leases, but the government's recent decision has ignited political and environmental concern over potential irreversible cultural and ecological damage.

(With inputs from agencies.)