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TFP Bureau, Raipur, July 28, 2024: In response to a Lok Sabha question regarding environmental degradation in Hasdeo Aranya, Chhattisgarh, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Office has submitted a comprehensive report to the Inspector General of Forests (Wildlife Division) at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The report reveals that by the year 2023, a total of 5,340,586 trees have been planted for afforestation, mine reclamation, and relocation efforts as compensatory measures for mining at the Parsa East Kete Basen (PEKB) coal mine. Of these newly planted trees, approximately 4,097,395 are thriving, while 94,460 trees have been harvested for mining purposes.
The inquiry, raised by Aam Aadmi Party’s Punjab MP Mr. Sandeep Kumar Pathak, sought detailed information on various aspects of environmental impact in Hasdeo Aranya. The Wildlife Institute of India provided a written response, indicating that no separate study has been conducted specifically on the Hasdeo Aranya coal fields. However, a biodiversity assessment study was carried out by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) following directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). This report, submitted to the government, does not recommend a complete ban on mining activities.
The report also anticipates that an estimated 273,757 trees will be harvested in the coming years to facilitate ongoing mining activities in the area. This information underscores the environmental concerns and the measures being taken towards mitigation and restoration in Hasdeo Aranya.
Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam (RRVUNL) owns three coal mines in Surguja district, Chhattisgarh, to meet the coal demands of its power generation plants. Currently, RRVUNL is operating the Parsa East Kanta Basan block, generating nearly 10,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities in a district otherwise deprived of industrialization and jobs. The Rajasthan government corporation also contributes over Rs 1,000 crore in taxes, royalty, and other charges to the Chhattisgarh government—a figure expected to double once RRVUNL commences operations in its other two blocks, Parsa and Kete Extension. The PEKB block, with a five-star rating from the Ministry of Coal for four consecutive years, has become a model mine not only in Chhattisgarh but across India. Additionally, Adani Vidya Mandir, an English medium CBSE school, has developed a unique model where mothers of students prepare meals, providing over 1,000 students with free education, transport, stationery, uniforms, and various other facilities.
