The Union environment ministry has given environmental clearance for open cast coal mining in Parsa in Chhattisgarh’s dense Hasdeo Arand forests, in a decision that could have far-reaching consequences for forest cover conservation in India.

Hasdeo Arand is one of the largest contiguous stretches of very dense forest in central India, spanning about 170,000 hectares. Parsa is one of the 30 coal blocks in Hasdeo Arand and is owned by the Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RVUNL). The mining will start by Rajasthan Collieries Ltd.

Retaining forests, the ecology and NOT disturbing the tribal habitats is vital for the holistic growth and development of this nation. Coal is a commodity which we can always import from other countries to meet our demand. But forests cannot be regrown as easily. Economics should not precede the needs of the environment.

I am starting this petition to request the Government of India to withdraw its permission to allow mining in the Hansdeo Arand forest regions of Chhattisgarh. I'm not an activist. I am just a concerned and educated citizen of India who loves the environment.