Context:
A new coal mine in Chhattisgarh’s Hasdeo Arand forest has received in-principle forest clearance, despite the area being classified as a high conservation zone. The clearance has raised concerns over forest diversion, biodiversity loss, tribal rights and the balance between energy security and environmental protection.
- Hasdeo Arand forest is a large forested region in Chhattisgarh, known for dense forests, biodiversity and tribal settlements.
- It lies in a coal-rich belt and has seen repeated conflicts between coal mining, forest conservation and local community rights.
- Forest clearance is required under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 when forest land is diverted for non-forest purposes such as mining.
- The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) examines proposals for diversion of forest land and gives recommendations to the Union Environment Ministry.
- Areas marked as high conservation zones generally have ecological sensitivity, dense forests, wildlife value or important ecosystem services.
- Mining may involve tree felling, habitat fragmentation, displacement risks, pollution and pressure on water resources.
- The issue also relates to compensatory afforestation, biodiversity management, environmental impact assessment and tribal rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
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Hasdeo Forest Clearance and Ecological Governance