In-principle nod for coal blocks in Chhattisgarh

Rejecting the recommendations of the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC), environment minister Jairam Ramesh on Thursday gave in-principle approval to open up Tara, Parsa East and Kante Basan coal-blocks in the Hasdeo-Arand forest region of Chhattisgarh.

Rejecting the recommendations of the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC), environment minister Jairam Ramesh on Thursday gave in-principle approval to open up Tara, Parsa East and Kante Basan coal-blocks in the Hasdeo-Arand forest region of Chhattisgarh.

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But, in the same vein the minister also pointed out that no permission for coal mining can be given in main Hasdeo-Arand forest area as it will severely damage the fragile ecosystem of the region.

Admitting it will mean huge revenue loss to the state, the minister sought green bonus by way of additional central assistance or additional allocation of power from the central pool.

Ramesh said he disagrees with the final recommendations of the FAC, which advised him to reject the state’s proposals. He, however, said the final approval will be “contingent” on the state demonstrating “full compliance” with the provisions of the Forest Rights Act, 2006.