Congress Accuses Adani Coal Project in MP of FRA Breaches

speedy Summary

• Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has alleged that Adani Group has started deforestation in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhirauli for its coal mine project without essential legal clearances, violating the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 and Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996.
• The coal block is located in a Fifth schedule Area, with protests from Scheduled Tribe communities and Notably Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) over bypassed constitutional protections and lack of gram Sabha consultations.
• Jairam Ramesh accused the Modi government of imposing this project as its allotment in 2019 and rushing forward disregarding legal procedures,including Stage-II forest clearance from the Ministry of environment.
• He highlighted potential displacement for families, degradation of tribal livelihoods tied to forest produce like mahua, tendu, and sacred ecological ties.
• Earlier this month, Adani Power announced it had received approval from India’s Coal Ministry to begin mining operations at Dhirauli.

Indian Opinion Analysis

the allegations by Jairam Ramesh highlight complexities surrounding developmental projects in constitutionally protected areas like Fifth Schedule regions. the apparent disregard for mandatory Gram Sabha involvement under FRA and PESA raises concerns about prioritizing corporate interests over tribal rights. If proven accurate, bypassing such legal processes could lead to deeper ecological harm while disrupting Adivasi communities’ subsistence economies tied to forests.

On governance implications: ensuring due diligence in clearances underscores India’s commitment toward balancing industrial expansion with environmental sustainability. With ongoing protests emphasizing community objections rooted not only in survival but cultural identity preservation, this case reflects broader debates about how India’s progress model affects marginalized groups within ecologically sensitive areas.

Industry players face reputational risks when procedural transparency is questioned-an area stakeholders might focus on as public scrutiny grows over deforestation projects involving major conglomerates.

For more details: Read on The Hindu.