New Delhi: The Chhattisgarh Forest Department has officially recommended the diversion of 1,742.60 hectares of forest land for the Kente Extension Coal Block project in the biodiversity-rich Hasdeo Arand region of Surguja district. The coal block, allotted to Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RRVUNL), a Rajasthan government power utility, is set to open a new chapter of environmental controversy in the state.
Forest Department’s Site Inspection and Approval Recommendation
Following a physical site inspection conducted on June 26, 2025, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Surguja forest division issued a note recommending approval of the forest land diversion for non-forestry purposes related to coal mining. The DFO’s report detailed that nearly 4.50 lakh trees of various species will be affected by the mining project, which covers an area of 1,742.60 hectares.
The Kente Extension Coal Block was initially allotted by the Union Coal Ministry in 2015 to RRVUNL. The site inspection and subsequent recommendation mark a critical step towards clearing environmental and forest approvals necessary to begin mining operations.
Environmental Concerns and Cultural Significance at Risk
The forest area in question is part of the Hasdeo Arand, one of Central India’s largest contiguous forest tracts known for its rich biodiversity. The inspection report also highlights the proximity of the Ramgarh archaeological site, located just 11 kilometers from the coal block. Ramgarh is a place of religious and archaeological significance and is a notable tourist destination.
Environmental activists and local communities have raised alarm over the potential ecological damage that the project could cause, pointing out that the forest area serves as a critical catchment for the Charnoi River and lies near the Lemru Elephant Reserve.
Political Opposition and Public Outcry
The decision has sparked fierce criticism from the opposition Congress party and environmental groups. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel condemned the move, warning that the clearance could result in the felling of over 600,000 trees. Baghel accused the current BJP-led state government of reversing the earlier environmental protections his administration had put in place.
In a detailed post on social media platform X, Baghel highlighted that the entire block is densely forested (99%) and that coal needs for Rajasthan could be met by the already operational Parsa East Kente Basan (PEKB) coal mine, making the new extension unnecessary.
Former Deputy Chief Minister TS Singh Deo echoed these concerns, emphasizing the cultural and environmental importance of Hasdeo Arand and urging the state government to withdraw the approval.
Activist Groups Warn of Environmental Devastation
Alok Shukla, Convener of the Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan (CBA), which has been at the forefront of protests against coal mining in Hasdeo Arand, highlighted the ecological sensitivity of the proposed mining site. Shukla pointed out that the area lies within the catchment of the Charnoi River and near the Lemru Elephant Reserve. He warned that over five lakh trees would be lost, and the project would severely damage the famed Ramgarh mountain in Surguja.
Historical Context and Political Dimensions
During the previous Congress government’s tenure (2018-23), environmental clearances for the Kente Extension coal block had been withheld following a unanimous resolution by the Chhattisgarh assembly in July 2022 to stop deforestation in Hasdeo Arand. However, the current BJP government under Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has granted clearance, reversing prior protections.
Baghel accused the Modi-led central government of continuing land acquisition in the coal block area, despite opposition from the state Congress government. He also pointed to the involvement of Adani’s company as the mine developer and operator for RRVUNL’s projects in the region, framing the issue as one driven by capitalist interests at the expense of the environment.
What Lies Ahead
The forest clearance recommendation now awaits further approvals from the central government before mining operations can commence. Meanwhile, protests and political opposition are likely to intensify as environmentalists, local communities, and opposition leaders demand a rollback of the decision to protect Hasdeo Arand’s fragile ecosystem.
