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Chhattisgarh Assembly Briefly Suspends Congress MLAs Over Mining–Deforestation Row

The clash reflects an unresolved fight over mining approvals versus claims of forest loss in Hasdeo Arand and other regions.

Overview

  • The Speaker disallowed a Congress adjournment motion on alleged mining-linked deforestation, prompting protests and a brief suspension of 30 MLAs that was quickly revoked.
  • Opposition legislators alleged fake public hearings and manipulated gram sabhas, citing mass protests and road blockades in Hasdeo Aranya, Tamnar, Surguja and Bastar.
  • Leader of Opposition Charan Das Mahant accused the government of favouring corporations such as Adani and Jindal over local rights and forests.
  • Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap rejected the accusations, saying five mining cases diverted 1,300.869 hectares in two years with central approvals and rule compliance.
  • Kashyap cited Forest Survey of India data indicating gains in forest and tree cover and said compensatory planting of about 17.80 lakh saplings is underway.