A clash broke out in the Hasdeo forest between tribals and the police as tree-felling resumed for coal mining. The forest, known as the "lungs of Chhattisgarh", is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including nine protected species. With the state government handing over coal blocks to private companies, locals fear losing their land and livelihoods. Despite widespread protests and legal action, mining continues to pose a threat to the valuable forest.
Forest rights activist and Goldman Environmental Prize recipient Alok Shukla asserts that the Hasdeo Aranya forests in Chhattisgarh, home to endangered species and medicinal plants and the source of livelihood for 15,000 tribal people, can be conserved without compromising on India's coal demands. However, the government continues to allocate mining projects in the region, spurred by a desire to favor certain corporations. Shukla highlights the widespread community protest against such actions, fueled by broken promises and distrust towards the government and corporations. With 5,000 million tonnes of coal reserves available elsewhere, Shukla calls for the protection of the biodiverse Hasdeo forests and support for the livelihoods and cultural identity of the local community.