Below is the ground report from central India on forests vs coal mining.
http://www.timesnow.tv/Exclusive-Forests-vs-Coal-mining/videoshow/4393440.cms
Almost ten hours away from the city of Varanasi, Singrauli district on the Uttar Pradesh-Madhya Pradesh border in central India faces a bleak future. Famous for natural reserves in its forests, especially coal, villagers cry hoarse about possible displacement if corporate companies venture in.
If the state and central government were to approve of more coal mining projects, to generate electricity, massive forest area would be put on the line.
The forest includes around 62 villages, possibly 70,000 people. While people of few villages would be completely displaced, if the mining begins, others would have to stay in the buffer zone.
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| Settlements near Mahan Coal Forest in Singrauli district, Madhya Pradesh. |
I travelled with my videojournalist to investigate the concerns of villagers. It was a risk to reveal identities of villagers because they fear the authorities at coal companies, would not spare them.
In this exclusive news report from the forest, I speak to Hindi film actor Abhay Deol and Greenpeace India campaigner Priya Pillai as they narrate their experience, views and possible solutions.
Abhay Deol said, "The cycle of displacement of villagers is very sad. We all need progress but at what cost are we planning to achieve that progress?" He expressed optimism and said, "The Indian government is very efficient and would listen to people if we tell them about the kind of progress we want."
**What remains to be seen now is how would the government take up this matter. It was an experience that shall stay with me. I can understand the plans of government to generate power but rehabilitation of villagers and risk to the flora, fauna remains a concern foremost.**
For more background on the issue, here are some attached news reports
http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-07-09/news/29755770_1_coal-mine-coalfield-forest-advisory-committee
