Massive Tree Felling for Coal Mining in Chhattisgarh's Hasdeo Aranya Forest

The Indian government has revealed that approximately 95,000 trees have been felled in the Hasdeo Aranya forest for coal mining. An additional 273,757 trees are expected to be cut in the future. Reforestation efforts have led to 53,40,586 trees being planted, with about 40,93,395 surviving. The issue has caught the attention of the National Green Tribunal.

Approximately 95,000 trees have been felled for coal mining in Chhattisgarh's biodiversity-rich Hasdeo Aranya forest, according to government data revealed in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, responding to a question by AAP MP Sandeep Kumar Pathak, stated that 94,460 trees have been cut in the Parsa East Kente Basen Mine (PEKB). To offset the environmental impact, 53,40,586 trees have been planted, with 40,93,395 surviving so far.

Future plans involve cutting 2,73,757 more trees in the Hasdeo Aranya region. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken notice of the protests against this deforestation, seeking a report from the state forest department. Allocated to the Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd, the coal blocks in this forest contain significant reserves totaling 5,179.35 million tonnes.

(With inputs from agencies.)