Contentious Coal Project Sparks Uproar Over Forest Land and Wildlife Protection

The 1600-megawatt coal-based ultra supercritical thermal power project in Uttar Pradesh's Mirzapur faces scrutiny for its proximity to forest land. Despite not involving forest land within the project area, 8.35 hectares will be required for water pipelines and road access. The National Green Tribunal has raised concerns about environmental impact on local wildlife.

The contentious 1600-megawatt coal-based ultra supercritical thermal power project in Uttar Pradesh's Mirzapur has sparked debate due to its proximity to forest land. Although the project does not involve forest land within its area, 8.35 hectares are needed for water pipelines and road access, the government informed Parliament.

Earlier this week, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) took suo motu notice of a media report highlighting that the 665 hectares of land in Dadri Khurd, where the project site is located, is classified as a 'forest' according to a 1952 gazette notification, though it is still pending notification under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927.

Union Minister of State for Environment, Kirti Vardhan Singh, revealed that the Ministry of Environment has received a proposal seeking terms of reference for the environmental impact assessment of the project. The project has yet to receive central government approval for using forest land, raising questions about the impact on flora, fauna, and compliance with state and central laws.