Hasdeo Arand is not just a forest; it is one of the last remaining unfragmented primary forests in Central India. Spanning over 170,000 hectares, it serves as the critical "lungs" for the state of Chhattisgarh. Right now, this ancient ecosystem is under immediate threat from massive coal mining projects that prioritize short-term profit over the survival of our planet and its people.

What is at Stake?

Massive Deforestation: Current mining plans, including the Kente Extension and Parsa blocks, threaten to fell over 600,000 trees. We are witnessing a surge in tree-felling under heavy police presence, turning a biodiversity hotspot into a barren industrial wasteland.

 
The Survival of the Adivasi People: For generations, indigenous Gond communities have protected these lands. Their livelihoods, culture, and constitutional rights are being stripped away. Many allege that Gram Sabha (village council) consents were forged to bypass legal protections—a direct violation of the Forest Rights Act.

 
Wildlife in Peril: Hasdeo is a vital elephant corridor. Destroying this habitat has already led to a sharp increase in human-elephant conflict, causing tragic loss of life for both villagers and animals. If the forest goes, the endangered sloth bears, leopards, and rare butterflies go with it.

 
Water Security: The forest is the catchment area for the Hasdeo Bango Dam, which irrigates 300,000 hectares of farmland. Mining risks poisoning the Siang and Hasdeo rivers, threatening the food and water security of millions.

The Irony of "Development"
In July 2022, the Chhattisgarh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to cancel all coal blocks in Hasdeo Arand. Yet, today, the felling continues. We are told this is for "energy security," but at what cost? We cannot breathe coal, and we cannot drink profit.

Our Demands
We call upon the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the State Government of Chhattisgarh to:

Immediately Halt all tree-felling and mining activities in the Hasdeo Arand region.
Cancel Forest & Environmental Clearances for the Parsa and Kente Extension coal blocks.

 
Respect Tribal Rights: Uphold the Forest Rights Act (2006) and ensure no project moves forward without the genuine, informed consent of the local Gram Sabhas.
Declare Hasdeo a No-Go Zone: Formally recognize the entire Aranya landscape as an ecologically sensitive area that is permanently off-limits for mining.

Conclusion

If we allow Hasdeo to fall, we lose more than just trees—we lose our heritage, our biodiversity, and our future. This is a fight for the climate, for justice, and for the soul of India.

Sign this petition to tell the decision-makers: Hasdeo is not for sale. #SaveHasdeo