Environment Ministry has, however, argued that giving forest clearances to these blocks would help produce an additional 1.3 lakh MW of power. But Ramesh maintains the coal blocks fall under green cover and would harm forest cover in those areas.
Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal has gone on to the higher ups and put the whole issue of being denied permission by the Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh for crucial coal mining projects before the Cabinet for consideration. Jaiswal has also assured that green covers would not be affected in the coal mine projects.
Ministry of Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh has defined 'no-go' areas for mining as those that have over 30 per cent gross forest cover or over 10 per cent weighted forest cover. As per the guidelines, the mining is allowed only in the 'go' areas. Read the full report here.
Source: The Times of India, New Delhi.
