Chhattisgarh: Residents of Hasdeo Arand in Chhattisgarh are preparing a rally in Delhi to oppose the approval of stage II mining clearance in the Parsa coal block. They are expected to come to the city in a few days to meet with officials from the environment and forest ministries and to express their opposition to the removal. A news conference is also planned in Delhi under the Hasdeo Arand Bachao Sangharsh Samiti banner.
The convener of the NGO Chhattisgarh Bachaao Andolan, Alok Shukla, said they will appeal the permission to the National Green Tribunal and conduct a protest in Delhi.
According to activists, the mining project will result in the displacement of 700 people and the destruction of 840 acres of the dense forest. Bipasa Paul, an activist working in the region said, “…both Central and state governments, to serve the corporate interest, are stepping back in terms of safeguarding this (previously) No-Go area….”
On October 21, the ministry stated that the clearance was granted based on the recommendation of the state government. According to activists and citizens, the clearance was granted based on forged approval documents from the local village council, rendering it illegal. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) was instructed by the Centre to conduct a biodiversity assessment, according to the Chhattisgarh forest department.