Coal auctions may open forests for mining

The current ongoing auction of 41 coal mines throughout the country can open up forests for mining in parts of India. Until 2015, the government had considered declaring all the dense forests with any hydrological value. That is near any streams & rivers as inviolate and would be no mining zone.

Jairam Ramesh, the ex-Union environment minister, had proposed classification for coal mining in 2009-10. During which nine major coal blocks were studied for their biodiversity and forest cover.

While 70% of the blocks were found to be suitable for mining, 30% were categorized as no-go areas. But the classification was never implemented due to facing resistance from steel, power and coal sectors.

Earlier in 2011, a group of ministers was formed to study the environmental and developmental issues related to coal mining. It resulted in the conclusion that as many forests cannot be regenerated to the original form. They should be protected from any form of erosion or exploitation.

According to a July 2012 report of the environment ministry. The Forest Survey of India, Wildlife Institute of India, National Biodiversity Authority, and National Tiger Conservation Authority were tasked to come up with a list of inviolate areas. The list showed almost 50% of the 825 current and future coal blocks that fulfilled the parameters of inviolate areas.

Update by Anamika Singh