This document summarizes the response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 119, addressed to the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on July 21, 2025, regarding the diversion of forest land for coal mining in Jharkhand.
The response clarifies that land management is a state subject, with state governments/UT Administrations responsible for determining forest boundaries and deciding on land leases for non-forestry purposes. However, prior approval from the Central Government is required under the Van Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan Adhiniyam, 1980 for using forest land for non-forestry activities.
Between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2025, a total of 2591.75 hectares of forest land in Jharkhand were diverted for mining purposes under Section 2 1 ii of the Van Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan Adhiniyam, 1980.
The primary responsibility for protecting forests, including preventing illegal mining, rests with the respective State Governments and Union Territories. Actions against violations of the Van Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan Adhiniyam, 1980, including those at Pakri Barwadih coal mines, are taken by State Governments/UT Administrations according to existing laws, rules, and guidelines. Compliance with directions from Courts/Tribunals regarding legal matters is also carried out by the concerned Government, adhering to relevant regulations and court directives.
Key Entities Referenced
SHRI CHANDRA PRAKASH CHOUDHARY: Member of Parliament who raised the unstarred question.
Jharkhand: State in India where forest land diversion for coal mining is occurring.
Hazaribagh Pakri Barwadih coal mines: Specific coal mines in Jharkhand alleged to be involved in illegal mining and diversion of water resources.
Van Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan Adhiniyam, 1980: Act of the Central Government of India requiring prior approval for using forest land for non-forestry purposes.
Bharat Coking Coal Limited BCCL: Public sector company with mines in Jharkhand where illegal mining is alleged.
Sanjay Udyog: Private company alleged to be involved in illegal mining in forest lands or diversion of river or natural water resources.
R.K. mines: Name of the mines alleged to be involved in illegal mining in forest lands or diversion of river or natural water resources.
Green Tribunal: A legal body where matters related to environmental protection are addressed and legal cases may be pending.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 119
TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025
Diversion of Forest Land on Lease for Coal Mining
119. SHRI CHANDRA PRAKASH CHOUDHARY
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to
state:
(a) whether the forest land has been provided on lease for coal mining purposes to the
public sector undertaking companies as well as private companies in the State of
Jharkhand during the last five years and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government is aware that companies are involved in illegal mining in
forest lands or diversion of river or natural water resources, particularly by Hazaribagh
Pakri Barwadih coal mines and Hill top private company, Sanjay Udyog, R.K. mines
in Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) and other coal mines companies in the State
of Jharkhand and if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of the action taken against the defaulters and violator companies/Mandal
Development Officers (MDOs) by the Government; and
(d) whether any legal matter is pending before the Green Tribunal, the High Court or the
Supreme Court in this regard and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND
CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) to (d) 'Land' is a State subject. The forest areas and the legal boundaries thereof are
determined and maintained by the concerned State Government/UT
Administration. Accordingly, the final decision to assign on lease or allot the
forest land for any non-forestry purpose is within the domain of the concerned
State Government/ UT Administration. However, the prior approval of the
Central Government under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam,
1980 is required for using any forest land for non-forestry purposes. A forest area
of 2591.75 ha in the State of Jharkhand has been diverted under Section 2 (1) (ii)
of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 in mining category
during 01/04/2020 to 31/03/2025.
It is pertinent to mention that the primary responsibility of protection of forests
from various threats including illegal mining lies with the respective States and
Union Territories (UTs). The respective State Governments and UT
Administrations take action in this regard, as per the extant Acts, Rules and
guidelines.The Violations of the provisions of Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan)
Adhiniyam, 1980 including those in Pakri Barwadih coal mines are dealt in
accordance with the provisions of the prevailing legislation and the guidelines
made thereunder. Further, as regards the legal matters pertaining to the mine in
question, compliance of the directions of Hon’ble Courts/Tribunals is carried out
by the concerned Government in accordance with the provisions of the extant
Acts/Rules/Guidelines, keeping in view the directions of Hon’ble
Courts/Tribunals.
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