IndiaThe Centre’s Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has recommended stage-I forest clearance for 13 projects, including three major coal mining projects, resulting in the diversion of over 2,000 hectares of forest land and the felling of nearly 389,000 trees. Among these, the Alaknanda Coal Mine in Odisha would affect over 330,000 trees, while the Purunga Underground Coal Block and Pelma Open Cast Mine in Chhattisgarh would involve 4,368 and 52,570 trees respectively. The FAC notes the presence of wildlife in affected areas and approves associated wildlife management plans. Experts highlight concerns about environmental impact and displacement of indigenous communities, drawing parallels to past violations of tribal rights. The process involves three stages of forest clearance under the Forest Conservation Act, with stage-I being an initial approval.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the approval of coal mining projects and their environmental impact without overtly favoring any political ideology. It includes expert opinions but maintains neutrality in its presentation of the issue, balancing the discussion between development and
