RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh Scheduled Tribe Commission has found that the process of obtaining forest clearance (FC) for the Parsa coal block in Surguja district was tainted with multiple irregularities and fabricated entries in the case of three villages, the latest controversy to hit the high-profile project.
Forty-one residents of three villages - Salhi, Hariharpur, and Fatehpur - that fall under the Parsa coal block filed a complaint with the ST commission on August 8, 2021, alleging their consent for mining was fabricated. They alleged that the gram sabhas never discussed the clause pertinent to mining.
The commission investigated the claim over three years, and on Tuesday recommended to the district collector of Surguja, Vilas Bhoskar, to stop the process of deforestation that started on October 18. The recommendation letter, a copy of which is with HT, also suggested that the forest clearance granted to the Parsa coal mine be annulled for three out of the four villages that come under the project, fresh gram sabhas be convened in the three villages, and the commission be informed about the decision.
"We did a detailed investigation and found that the consent of three gram sabhas was not taken for the Parsa coal block," commission chief Bhanu Pratap Singh said.
This story is from the November 06, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 06, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Lessons in democracy from the US elections
For democracy's defenders, Trump's re-election ought to serve as a catalyst for a deeper reckoning to work toward a more responsive and accountable democracy
Making votes count, including in the cities
The turnout in Maharashtra, at over 65% is the highest in the last 30 years.
Strengthen institutions to combat air pollution
Northern India has been engulfed by hazardous air. A health emergency has peaked with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the 900s in many parts of the national capital.
A formidable legacy in securing disability rights
The 50th Chief Justice of India (CJI), Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, retired on November 10. His elevation to this role in 2022 had sparked wide expectations, including in the realm of disability rights, given his prior work.
Govt evaluating impact of PDS rations on inflation
When Dubai got selected as the host for the World Expo 2020, Baskin Robbins declared it would serve everyone who walked into their outlets in the UAE a free scoop of ice-cream.
Panel's head says Waqf draft report ready, Oppn pushes for extension
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Jagdambika Pal, the chairman of the joint parliamentary committee looking into the controversial Waqf (amendments) bill, indicated on Thursday that the panel may soon start the process of adopting the draft report even as Opposition members remained adamant about further discussions and said they might meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday to seek an extension.
MVA, Mahayuti in a huddle before verdict
As the countdown to the Maharashtra Assembly election results begins, both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are leaving no stone unturned to secure their positions in case of a tight race.
Manipur tribal outfits end stir against CRPF
Tribal organisations in Manipur withdrew their \"non-cooperation\" movement against the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Thursday, saying that the central force has assured them that it will ensure the safety of the people of the community in the strife-torn state.
Illegal migrants, drug mafia hit by BJP govt'
For 18 months now, Nongthombam Biren Singh, 63, has continued to govern a state in the grips of an internecine ethnic conflict, surviving demands for his ouster as chief minister, from the Opposition, and also from members of his own party.
5 tribal villages at epicentre of the unending ethnic conflict
Muolvaiphei, Valpakot, Ngurte, Thenmol and Khawpuibing are nondescript Hmar dominated tribal villages in Manipur's Churachandpur district, nearly 65km away from the state capital, Imphal.
