3.31 lakh trees face axe for coal project in Odisha’s Angul, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• Approximately 3.31 lakh trees are slated for felling for a coal project in Angul district, Odisha.
• The project involves diverting 754.039 hectares of forest land for non-forestry purposes.
• The Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) granted "Stage-1 /In-principle approval".
• This approval was given under specific conditions of the Van (Sanrakshan evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980.
• Rungta Sons Private Ltd. proposed the project, which could affect around 350 villages if all 66 coal blocks are developed.

Detailed Insights:

• Angul district is a significant coal-producing region in Odisha, making it a focal point for mining activities.
• "Stage-1 /In-principle approval" indicates conditional clearance, requiring further compliance before final forest clearance.
• The Van (Sanrakshan evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, formerly the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, governs the diversion of forest land for non-forest uses.
• Large-scale tree felling raises concerns about deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and increased carbon emissions.
• The potential impact on 350 villages highlights significant socio-economic and rehabilitation challenges for local communities.
• The MoEFCC's Advisory Committee plays a critical role in evaluating environmental and forest clearance proposals for developmental projects.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Forest Diversion: The process of converting forest land for non-forest purposes like mining, infrastructure, or industrial development.
• Van (Sanrakshan evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980: A central act regulating the diversion of forest land to prevent deforestation and maintain ecological balance.
• Compensatory Afforestation: The practice of planting new trees or regenerating degraded forest land to offset forest loss due to diversion.