Chhattisgarh’s nod for coal block auction raises environmental worries
COAL & MINING

Chhattisgarh’s nod for coal block auction raises environmental worries

The Chhattisgarh government’s approval of auction for 17 of the state's 18 coal blocks identified by the central government has raised wildlife environmental concerns.

Activists believe the approval was given although there has been no increase in coal demand.

Agriculture minister and government spokesperson Ravindra Chaubey told the media that due to the presence of a major human settlement in the area, Barra was exempted from the auction.

The decision to remove the Barra coal block from the list was made at the request of public representatives and ministers, Chaubey told the media.

Chhattisgarh produces around 150 million tonnes of coal per year and has 58,589 million tonnes of reserves, according to official data. The 17 blocks are located in the forest divisions of Dharamjaigarh, Sarguja, Surajpur, and Koriya, and are expected to produce around 8,000 million tonnes of coal.

A large forest area falls under the region where the blocks are located, according to MSTC Limited, the company that is conducting the auctions for the Centre. According to the company's website, the coal blocks cover 15 % to 40 % of forest land. The area is crossed by tributaries of the Atem, Mahan, Pajhar Nadi, and Kelo rivers.

Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan convener Alok Shukla told the media that the state government should have opposed commercial mining because the state is already suffering from environmental destruction and displacement. Because of the low rates, Shukla added, the state government will not receive any additional revenue.

Image Source


Also read: Govt gets bids for 19 coal mines in commercial mining auction

Also read: Coal mine auctions: Commercial tranche 2 gains traction

The Chhattisgarh government’s approval of auction for 17 of the state's 18 coal blocks identified by the central government has raised wildlife environmental concerns. Activists believe the approval was given although there has been no increase in coal demand. Agriculture minister and government spokesperson Ravindra Chaubey told the media that due to the presence of a major human settlement in the area, Barra was exempted from the auction. The decision to remove the Barra coal block from the list was made at the request of public representatives and ministers, Chaubey told the media. Chhattisgarh produces around 150 million tonnes of coal per year and has 58,589 million tonnes of reserves, according to official data. The 17 blocks are located in the forest divisions of Dharamjaigarh, Sarguja, Surajpur, and Koriya, and are expected to produce around 8,000 million tonnes of coal. A large forest area falls under the region where the blocks are located, according to MSTC Limited, the company that is conducting the auctions for the Centre. According to the company's website, the coal blocks cover 15 % to 40 % of forest land. The area is crossed by tributaries of the Atem, Mahan, Pajhar Nadi, and Kelo rivers. Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan convener Alok Shukla told the media that the state government should have opposed commercial mining because the state is already suffering from environmental destruction and displacement. Because of the low rates, Shukla added, the state government will not receive any additional revenue. Image Source Also read: Govt gets bids for 19 coal mines in commercial mining auction Also read: Coal mine auctions: Commercial tranche 2 gains traction

Next Story
Real Estate

Ajmera Realty Acquires Land Parcel in Ghatkopar East

Ajmera Realty & Infra India (ARIIL) has acquired a 1,341.1 sq. mt. premium land parcel in Ghatkopar East, Mumbai. This acquisition, secured through a competitive bidding process with KJ Somaiya Trust at a cost of Rs 0.51 billion. With the earnest money paid and an MoU in place, the project is expected to yield a carpet area of ~44,000 sq. ft., with an estimated GDV of Rs 1.75 billion, said the BSE filing.Situated in Ghatkopar East, a well-established locality with a rising demand for spacious, high-end living, the company sees significant potential to launch an ultra-luxury project in this..

Next Story
Real Estate

Lemon Tree Hotels Launches 8th Property in Gujarat

Lemon Tree Hotels announces the opening of Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels, Vadodara, Gujarat. This is the eighth property of the group in the state, as per the BSE filing.The efficient and affordable hotel features 63 well-appointed rooms and will open in two phases. Of these 57 rooms, a multi-cuisine coffee shop – Keys Café, along with expansive banquet spaces and conference facilities will be launched in the first phase. The remaining six rooms will be operational soon after in the second phase.Vadodara is known for its glorious past, echoed in its magnificent palaces and rich culture. Be..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway Set to Revolutionise Travel

The Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway, a major 802-kilometer six-lane route, is set to revolutionize travel between Nagpur and Goa. Developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), this expressway will slash travel time from 18-20 hours to just 8-10 hours. By enhancing connectivity across 12 districts, it aims to boost tourism, regional development, and provide easier access to spiritual sites.Stretching from Pavnar in Wardha district to Patradevi on the Maharashtra-Goa border, the expressway will pass through several districts, including Wardha, Yavatmal, Hingoli, Nand..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000