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Aditya Birla Group: Massive Coal Mine Plan Sparks Concerns

Aditya Birla Group proposes a coal mining project in Madhya Pradesh's Singrauli district, sparking environmental concerns, including deforestation, displacement, and inadequate compensation for affected communities.

By Ayaskant Das
New Update
Aditya Birla Group - Coal Mining

Aditya Birla Group: Massive Coal Mine Plan Sparks Concerns | Coal Mining | Representative image | Photo courtesy: Special arrangement

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Aditya Birla Group Project Draws Concerns

The Madhya Pradesh government has flagged concerns about the diversion of forest land for a coal mining project proposed by the Aditya Birla Group in an elephant corridor in the state’s Singrauli district. As per preliminary surveys, more than 1.10 lakh trees belonging to different species will be felled and thousands of people will be displaced for the open-cast mining project. 

Further, the state government has also highlighted the presence of important water bodies flowing through the proposed mine lease area. These water bodies replenish underground water tables and provide sustenance to the dense forest in the region. In addition, project-affected communities, who are not satisfied with the rates of compensation finalised against private land to be acquired, have raised the issue with the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister’s office. 

Elephant Corridor and Wildlife Concerns

The presence of an elephant corridor within the proposed mining lease area was highlighted in a site inspection report compiled jointly by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Singrauli Forest Division and the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) of the Rewa Forest Range.

Though the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC), which evaluates the potential impacts of infrastructure projects upon forest land on behalf of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (“the ministry”), took cognizance of these findings in the site inspection report, it has not recommended any further studies or analyses.

FAC Meeting Findings

“As per the site inspection report of DFO, Singrauli, and CCF Rewa, the working plan prescription shows that compartment nos. RF [Reserved Forest] - 291, 292, 293 & 391 fall in the Elephant Corridor. However, no movement of elephants has been noticed in the last 10 years. The working plan also prescribes, in case the diversion of the said area is essentially required, an alternative Elephant Corridor may be formed. The DFO and CCF have recommended the proposal on the condition of compliance with the above condition,” states the minutes of an FAC meeting held on 7 June 2024.

The FAC has also ignored findings that several species of wild animals have been sighted in the region of the mining lease area. “... as per enquiry with local forest staff, the wildlife in the area include occasional movement of leopards, sloth bear, spotted deer, nilgai, wild pigs, etc.,” the minutes further state, quoting the site inspection report.

EMIL's Response Awaited

A questionnaire was emailed by this correspondent to Essel Mining Industries Limited (EMIL), a subsidiary company of the Aditya Birla Group, asking amongst other queries, to comment on what steps have been proposed for the conservation of the elephant corridor and wildlife found in the region.

No responses had been received at the time this article was published. This article will be updated as and when responses to the queries are received.

Tree Felling and Species Affected

The trees that will be felled for the project include several species like Sal, the rich wood of which is used for construction purposes; Mahua, the flower buds of which are used to brew a potent liquor; teak, another tree which is known for the quality of its wood; Jarul, a tree known for its medicinal uses and ornamental flowers; and Palash, the leaves of which are used to stitch eco-friendl

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