Chhattisgarh Tara Coal Block row escalates as CMDC clarifies

A political row has erupted in Chhattisgarh over the recent auction of the Tara coal block in the biodiversity-rich Hasdeo-Arand region, with the Congress raising concerns over forest loss and wildlife, while the BJP has accused the opposition of political double standards.
The state-run Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC), meanwhile, has sought to allay concerns, clarifying that the auction does not mean mining can begin immediately and that several mandatory statutory approvals are still required,according to media reports.
Chhattisgarh Congress President Deepak Baij strongly opposed the auction, claiming that the coal block covers nearly 5,000 acres, including more than 4,000 acres of dense forest.Baij alleged that mining in the area could result in the felling of more than 10 lakh trees, causing serious environmental damage to the region.He also pointed to the block’s proximity to the Lemru Elephant Reserve, warning that commercial activity could disrupt elephant corridors, increase human-wildlife conflict and pose a threat to the national heritage animal.
The Congress leader also cited a resolution passed unanimously by the Chhattisgarh Assembly on July 26, 2022, seeking a complete moratorium on further coal block allocations and auctions in Hasdeo-Arand.Baij further referred to an affidavit submitted by the previous Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government in the Supreme Court on July 16, 2023, stating that there was no need to allocate or develop additional coal blocks in Hasdeo-Arand.The BJP, however, rejected the Congress’ allegations as political posturing and accused former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh of misleading the people.
The ruling party also pointed to the Congress-led UPA government’s role in the region’s coal block allocations. It said the Tara coal block was originally allocated to CMDC in 2011, during the UPA tenure, before the allocation was cancelled following Supreme Court judgments.Amid the political confrontation, CMDC issued a clarification stressing that the auction is only one stage in the process and does not amount to permission to start mining.
According to CMDC, mining operations cannot commence without mandatory approvals, including an approved mining plan, execution of the mining lease, Stage-I and Stage-II Forest Clearances and Environmental Clearance.The corporation said priority would be given to balancing India’s energy security and Chhattisgarh’s development needs with forest conservation, environmental protection and the interests of local communities.The Tara coal block has been awarded to CG Syn & Gas and Chemicals Limited.