Hasdeo's Heartbreak: Chhattisgarh High Court Upholds Forest Rights Cancellation, Fueling Protests

In a deeply disheartening turn for indigenous communities and environmental advocates, the Chhattisgarh High Court has upheld the state government's controversial decision to cancel the forest rights of villagers in Ghatbarra, a crucial area within the ecologically sensitive Hasdeo Arand coalfield.

This ruling is a significant blow to the long-standing struggle against rampant coal mining in a region often referred to as the 'lungs of Chhattisgarh'.

The legal battle centers around the Parsa East and Kente Basan (PEKB) coal block, operated by Adani Enterprises for Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited.

For years, villagers of Ghatbarra and surrounding areas in Hasdeo Arand have been at the forefront of a peaceful yet resolute movement, asserting their rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, and vehemently opposing the destruction of their ancestral lands and pristine forests for coal extraction.

The Forest Rights Act is a landmark legislation designed to recognize and vest forest rights and occupation in forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers, empowering Gram Sabhas (village councils) to protect, conserve, and manage community forest resources.

A key provision mandates the consent of the Gram Sabha for any diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, including mining. Villagers in Ghatbarra had previously passed resolutions refusing consent for the PEKB mine expansion, citing the ecological devastation and displacement it would cause.

However, the state government, in a move that sparked widespread condemnation, proceeded to cancel the forest rights granted to the Ghatbarra Gram Sabha, effectively clearing a legal hurdle for further mining activities.

This cancellation was challenged by the affected villagers in the Chhattisgarh High Court, arguing that it violated the spirit and letter of the FRA and undermined the democratic rights of indigenous communities.

The High Court's decision to affirm the state's cancellation has sent shockwaves through activist circles.

While the full reasoning behind the court's judgment is being scrutinized, it effectively validates the state's power to revoke previously recognized community forest rights. Critics argue that such a precedent could embolden authorities to override local self-governance and facilitate industrial projects in other tribal and forest areas across the country.

Environmentalists warn of the irreversible damage further mining in Hasdeo Arand would inflict.

The region boasts dense forests, rich biodiversity, and serves as a vital elephant corridor. The ongoing deforestation for coal has already led to habitat loss, increased human-wildlife conflict, and threatens the livelihoods of thousands of tribal families who depend on the forests for sustenance, culture, and tradition.

The ruling is expected to intensify the 'Save Hasdeo' movement, with activists and villagers vowing to continue their fight through all available democratic means.

The emotional toll on the communities, whose identity is intrinsically linked to the forest, is immense. This legal setback underscores the profound challenges faced by indigenous populations in safeguarding their rights and environment against powerful industrial and state interests.

As the dust settles on this court decision, the future of Hasdeo Arand remains precariously balanced.

The struggle in Ghatbarra is more than just about a coal block; it's about the fundamental rights of India's tribal communities, the sanctity of environmental laws, and the urgent need to prioritize ecological preservation over short-term industrial gains.