Chhattisgarh: Won't budge till all coal mine projects withdrawn, say protesters on 111th day of stir

In October last year, villagers from the region had marched from Surguja to capital Raipur, covering over 300 kms on foot, to register a protest against the proposed coal mines.

After battling the scorching heat of the summer months while protesting against the clearances to coal mines projects in Hasdeo Arand region since March this year, villagers in Chhattisgarh's Surguja district are now prepared to get drenched in the monsoon rains during their ongoing agitation.

The protesters said nothing can dampen their morale as they are fighting for their land where they have been living for generations and they will not give up the demonstration until their demands are met.

The protest at Hariharpur village, located around 60 km away from Ambikapur (headquarter of Surguja district), against three coal mine projects entered 111th day on Sunday.

Though the state government has halted all the proceedings regarding three upcoming coal mine projects allotted to the Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL) in the area, the protesters are sticking to their demand of cancellation of the projects.

The state government had granted permission for non-forestry use of 841.538 hectares of forest land for the Parsa mine (Surguja and Surajpur districts) and 1,136.328 hectares for PEKKB phase-II mine (Surguja) after Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot met his Chhattisgarh counterpart Bhupesh Baghel here in March this year seeking to clear hurdles in the development of the coal blocks allotted to the former's state.

Another coal block - Kente extension allotted to RRVUNL in Hasdeo Arand region is pending for public hearing.

In October last year, villagers from the region had marched from Surguja to capital Raipur, covering over 300 kms on foot, to register a protest against the proposed coal mines.