“Pelma Coal Project Faces Mounting Resistance: Farmers, Forests and Future at the Crossroads in Raigarh”

Freelance editor Amardeep chauhan @ http://amarkhabar.com Raigarh, May 12, 2026:

A fresh round of resistance has surfaced in Chhattisgarh’s industrial belt as the proposed public hearing for an open-cast coal mining project in the Gare-Pelma region of Tamnar block comes under scrutiny. The District Kisan Congress Committee, led by its president Devanand Patel, has formally urged the district administration to cancel the hearing scheduled for May 19, citing a wide range of environmental, legal, and livelihood concerns.

In a detailed memorandum addressed to the district collector, the organization argues that the project—proposed by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL)—could irreversibly alter the socio-ecological fabric of the region.

Livelihoods at Risk: Farmers Push Back

At the heart of the opposition lies the question of land. The proposed mining project is expected to span approximately 2,077 hectares, much of it fertile agricultural land. For generations, local farmers have depended on this land not just as an economic resource but as a way of life.

Patel’s letter points to growing discontent among landowners over what they describe as “unequal and unjust” compensation rates. There are also lingering doubts about the rehabilitation and employment assurances outlined in the project’s impact assessment report. Villagers from Hinjhar, among others, have demanded land-for-land compensation—an assurance that remains uncertain.

Forests Under Threat, Ecology in Question

The environmental cost, critics argue, could be steep. According to project documents, around 362 hectares of dense forest are likely to be cleared. This comes in a region already grappling with industrial pollution from existing mining and power operations.

Residents claim that coal dust and fly ash have already left their mark, with fine black particles reportedly settling even in residential areas of Raigarh town, nearly 30 kilometers away. The proposed expansion, they fear, could push the ecosystem beyond recovery.

Wildlife Displacement Concerns

The clearing of forest land raises serious concerns about wildlife displacement. The memorandum warns that thousands of animals could be forced out of their natural habitats, increasing the likelihood of human-wildlife conflict and threatening biodiversity in the region.

Water Stress and Public Health Risks

Another major concern flagged is the declining groundwater level and deteriorating water quality in project-affected villages. With reports of fluoride contamination and non-functional water treatment plants, residents already face a daily struggle for safe drinking water.

The expansion of mining activity, the letter suggests, could worsen both availability and quality of water, leaving communities increasingly vulnerable.

Legal Questions Over PESA Compliance

The Gare-Pelma area falls under the ambit of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), which mandates prior consent of Gram Sabhas for any land acquisition in tribal regions.

However, the Kisan Congress has alleged procedural violations, claiming that “fabricated Gram Sabha resolutions” and “questionable assessment reports” are being used to facilitate the public hearing process. These allegations, if substantiated, could raise serious legal and ethical questions about the project’s clearance.

Employment Promises Under Lens

While SECL’s assessment report promises employment for local youth, skepticism runs deep. The memorandum notes that previous industrial projects in the district have largely failed to provide permanent jobs to locals or even to displaced landowners.

This gap between promise and practice has fueled distrust among the affected communities.

Rising Pollution and Road Safety Concerns

The operational phase of the mine is expected to bring increased coal transportation, raising concerns over air quality and road safety. Villages such as Pelma, Urba, Maduvadumar, Lalpur, Hinjhar, Jarhidihi, Sakta, and Milupara are likely to bear the brunt of dust pollution and heavy vehicular movement.

Residents point to a pattern of rising road accidents linked to industrial traffic in the region, suggesting that the new project could aggravate an already serious issue.

Impact on Forest-Based Livelihoods

The potential loss of forest cover also threatens the survival of communities dependent on minor forest produce, particularly tendu leaves—a key source of seasonal income for tribal households.

With forests shrinking, collectors fear a collapse of traditional livelihoods, leading to deeper economic distress in already vulnerable regions.


A Decision with Far-Reaching Implications

Calling for a halt to the upcoming public hearing, the District Kisan Congress has urged authorities to reconsider the project in light of its cumulative impact on environment, public health, and rural livelihoods.

As the date of the hearing approaches, the administration faces a critical choice—whether to proceed with the process as planned or pause to address the growing concerns from the ground. The outcome is likely to shape not just the future of the Pelma project, but also the broader discourse on development and displacement in mineral-rich regions like Raigarh.

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