25660 acre restricted lands allotted for mining in Chhattisgarh

     Raipur, August 9, 2011: Over 25660 acre of restricted forest lands in Chhattisgarh has been given for mining in the last three years by the Government of India, officials said today.

     During the period from 01.01.2008 to 03.08.2011, the Central Government had accorded 35 approvals under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for diversion of 10384.26 hectare or 25660.06 acre of forest land for mining in Chhattisgarh, official sources said.

     The Ministry of Environment & Forests did not cancel any approval which had already been accorded by it under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for diversion of forest land for mining in “no-go” areas, the officials added.           

     Out of the total 35 cases, final approval had been accorded in 20 cases affecting 2512.29 hectare or over 6208 acre where as in 15 cases, in which in-principal approval has been given, was spread over 7871.97 hectare or 19452.06 acre, they said.