🚨 Update: Public Hearing on Dahegaon-Gowari Coal Mine Ends in Protest
The Public Hearing held on 10th September 2025 at Walni for the Dahegaon-Gowari Underground Coal Mine by Ambuja Cements Ltd. witnessed strong opposition from villagers, activists, and local representatives.
The hearing, organized by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), faced chaos and objections over procedural lapses and lack of clarity in communication.
Gram Panchayat Walni issued an official letter condemning the flawed hearing process and demanded its cancellation, citing lack of proper coordination and violation of villagers’ rights.
According to Lokmat and Hitavada reports, villagers from multiple affected areas, Dahegaon, Gowari, Tondakhairi, Belori, Borgaon, Sindi, and others, questioned officials about compensation, land acquisition, environmental damage, and health concerns.
The villagers also raised objections regarding the 1562-hectare mining area, the impact on Gorewada International Zoo, and risk to water bodies and agriculture.
The hearing was reportedly suspended midway after massive protests and dissatisfaction among the people.
Also, Unnecessary political involvement, which further disrupted the process and diverted focus from the core environmental and community issues.
Renowned social activist Padmashri Shamshad Begum from Balod, Chhattisgarh, has strongly condemned the flawed process. In her letter to the President of India, she highlighted that the public hearing was “faulty” and ineffective, conducted in violation of due procedure. She urged authorities to reorganize the hearing as per proper norms and take cognizance of the widespread unrest among rural villagers impacted by this mining project.
🗞 Sources:
Gram Panchayat Walni official communication dated 11 September 2025
Lokmat (Nagpur Edition, 11 Sept 2025)
The Hitavada (Nagpur City Line, 11 Sept 2025)
Representation to the President of India by Padmashri Shamshad Begum, highlighting procedural lapses.
✊ This protest marks the united voice of villagers demanding environmental justice, transparency, and accountability.
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