Hasdeo Aranya:
On July 26, the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a private member resolution urging the Centre to cancel allocation of all coal mining blocks in the ecologically sensitive area of Hasdeo Aranya.
- Underneath the Hasdeo Aranya is a coalfield that comprises of 22 coal blocks.
- In 2010, the Centre categorised Hasdeo Aranya to be a “no-go” zone for mining.
- However, only a year later, the MoEF granted clearance for the mining.
- At present, of the 22 blocks, seven blocks have been allotted to different companies.
- The resolution isn’t expected to change the status quo.
- While the Congress says the onus is on the Centre to stop mining, the BJP has been asking the State government to withdraw the clearances it has issued to mine developers and operators.
