Massive Rally in Ambikapur Seeks Halt to Mining Projects in Chhattisgarh
A huge rally and public meeting drew thousands of villagers to Ambikapur town on Friday. They gathered to voice strong opposition against large-scale mining projects across Surguja division in Chhattisgarh. The protest also highlighted alleged violations of Gram Sabha rights in the region.
Broad Coalition Unites Against Environmental Destruction
The mobilisation brought together tribal groups, farmers' organisations, and environmentalists. The Hasdeo Bachao Sangharsh Samiti and Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan convened the event. They were joined by allied groups representing tribals, farmers, workers, women, and students.
All participants united against the destruction of water, forests, land, biodiversity, and the environment. In their appeal, they stated that generations in the region have survived on jal-jungle-zameen, meaning water, forest, and land. Now, they face forced displacement as mining projects expand.
These projects target coal, bauxite, graphite, lithium, and other minerals. The expansion affects areas from Koriya, Balrampur, Raigarh, to Korba.
Activists Cite Legal Protections and Past Resolutions
Bhanupratap Singh, former chairperson of the State Scheduled Tribes Commission, spoke at the rally. He emphasised that Chhattisgarh is a Fifth Schedule state. The Forest Rights Act and PESA are in force here and must be followed in letter and spirit.
He declared that no land acquisition will be accepted without Gram Sabha consent.
Hasdeo Bachao activist Sunita Porte addressed the gathering. She reminded everyone that the Chhattisgarh assembly unanimously resolved in July 2022 to cancel all coal mines in Hasdeo. Additionally, the Wildlife Institute of India recommended in 2021 that the entire Hasdeo landscape be kept mining-free. This recommendation aimed to curb human-elephant conflict.
Despite these resolutions, Porte alleged that the state has recommended the new Kente Extension coal project. This project will require cutting more than six lakh trees. She further claimed that forged Gram Sabha resolutions were used to secure forest clearance for the Parsa coal block. Tree felling continues under police protection, she stated.
Specific Grievances from Various Villages
Villagers from Mainpat raised concerns about fresh bauxite leases on the plateau. They warned that this area is a key tourism and water catchment zone. New mining could trigger a severe drinking water crisis in Ambikapur and nearby areas.
Residents from graphite-survey villages in Wadrafnagar block made serious allegations. They said officials are pushing ahead with exploration despite Gram Sabha opposition. The residents claimed officials are even threatening people with jail.
Babulal from Madanpur, affected by the Gare Palma IV coal block, spoke passionately. He declared that the Adivasi is the real owner of the forest and land, and the Constitution protects them. Using the Coal Bearing Areas Act to snatch their rights is nothing but open loot, he said.
Memorandum to Chief Minister Lists Key Demands
The protesters submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. It reiterated several key demands:
- Cancelling forest and environmental clearances for the Kente Extension project.
- Stopping land acquisition and surveys for projects in Madanpur and Amera.
- Scrapping new bauxite mines in Mainpat.
- Halting graphite surveys in Balrampur villages.
- Withdrawing false criminal cases against protesters.
- Enforcing prior informed Gram Sabha consent in all Fifth Schedule areas.
The letter included a stark warning. It stated that destruction of the ecologically sensitive Hasdeo Aranya landscape has already put the Minimata Hasdeo Bango dam at risk. It has also sharply escalated human-elephant conflict. The protesters cited hundreds of people killed under elephant attacks.
Protesters Vow to Escalate Movement
The protesters issued a clear warning to the authorities. They declared that if their demands are ignored, they will come back in thousands. They will start an indefinite movement.
Slogans echoed through the town during the rally. Voices chanted Stop cutting our forests and Stop looting Chhattisgarh's mineral wealth. The massive gathering demonstrated deep-seated anger and a firm resolve to protect their land and rights.
