Claims of forged gram sabha consent in Hasdeo mining clearance

Ambikapur | Desk: A large public meeting and rally were held in Ambikapur on Friday against mining projects, the Adani's MDO (Mine Developer and Operator) coal mine in the Hasdeo Aranya Forest and alleged violations of Gram Sabha rights across Sarguja division. Around 5,000 people from villages across the Surguja division and Ambikapur city took part in the protest.

The rally was organised by organisations, including the Hasdeo Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan, Hasdeo Aranya Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, Jan Gramin Vikas Seva Samiti and Chhattisgarh Kisan Sabha. Tribal groups, farmers, workers, women, youth, environmentalists and social activists participated in large numbers.

Speakers at the meeting said tribal communities are the real owners of forests and land, and that the Constitution of India protects their rights. They said no government has the right to take away these lands in the name of mining or development.

Opposition to Hasdeo mining projects

Sunita Porte of the Hasdeo Aranya Bachao Sangharsh Samiti said the Chhattisgarh Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution in July 2022 to cancel all coal mining in Hasdeo. She also said the Wildlife Institute of India had recommended in 2021 that the entire Hasdeo region be kept free from mining to prevent human–elephant conflict.

Despite this, she alleged, the state government has recommended the Kente Extension coal project. She claimed forest clearance for the Parsa coal block was obtained using fake Gram Sabha resolutions. She added that even after an investigation by the State Scheduled Tribes Commission found these resolutions to be forged, tree cutting continues with police support.

Gram Sabha consent mandatory

Former chairperson of the State Scheduled Tribes Commission, Bhanu Pratap Singh, said Chhattisgarh is a Fifth Schedule state where the Forest Rights Act and PESA Act must be strictly followed.

“No land acquisition is acceptable without the consent of the Gram Sabha,” he said.

Alok Shukla of the Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan said land and forest areas in Surguja and other Fifth Schedule regions are being taken for mining without Gram Sabha approval. He alleged that the government is working in favour of corporate interests and using police force against tribal farmers who oppose mining projects.

Water crisis and environmental damage

Girish Bhai raised concerns over proposed bauxite mining in Mainpat, saying it could damage tourism and create a serious drinking water crisis in Ambikapur and nearby areas.

Villagers from Wadrafnagar in Balrampur district said graphite surveys are being carried out despite Gram Sabha opposition. Vijay, a resident of Sursa village, alleged that officials are threatening villagers with jail for resisting the survey work.

Muneshwar Singh Porte from Fatehpur village said heavy blasting from existing coal mines has caused cracks in the Ramgarh hill, a site of religious and archaeological importance. He warned that the Kente Extension project could lead to the cutting of over six lakh trees and destroy the entire area.

‘Mining is not development’

Several speakers said mining is not development but “open loot” of natural resources. Youth and women participants said they stand united in the struggle to protect forests, livelihoods and future generations. Slogans such as “Gram Sabha is supreme” and “Stop looting Chhattisgarh” were raised during the meeting.

After the public meeting, protesters marched to the Collector’s office and submitted a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai through the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). The Collector did not meet the protesters, leading to slogans and protests outside the office.

In the memorandum, the organisations demanded cancellation of mining projects, protection of water and forests, withdrawal of cases against protesters and strict implementation of Gram Sabha consent in all Fifth Schedule areas.

The protesters warned that if no action is taken, they will return in larger numbers and launch an indefinite agitation.