<h1>Approval recommended for diverting 1742.60 hectares of forest land for coal mining under environmental laws</h1> The Chhattisgarh forest department has recommended approval for diversion of 1742.60 hectares of forest land for a coal mining project allotted to a Rajasthan state power utility, impacting approximately 4.5 lakh trees in the Hasdeo Arand forest area. The recommendation followed a site inspection and is intended for non-forestry coal mining purposes. The decision has faced strong opposition from political leaders and environmental activists who highlight the ecological and cultural significance of the area, including proximity to an archaeological site and river catchment zones. Critics argue the move reverses previous government policies that halted clearances to protect the forest and question the necessity of the new mine given existing coal supplies. The controversy centers on balancing developmental interests with environmental conservation, with calls for the state government to withdraw the approval to prevent deforestation and preserve biodiversity.