The Hasdeo Aranya forest, spanning over 170,000 hectares across the districts of Korba, Surajpur and Surguja in northern Chhattisgarh, is one of the largest intact dense forests in Central India. It is home to a rich biodiversity, including elephants, leopards and sloth bears, and is a significant migratory corridor. However, this pristine forest has been under threat due to coal mining activities.

In recent years, the indigenous communities living in and around the Hasdeo Aranya forest have been at the forefront of a remarkable conservation effort. The Gond tribe, one of the 700 indigenous tribes in India, has been particularly active in this movement. Their campaign to save the Hasdeo Aranya forest from coal mining has been one of the longest anti-coal protests by indigenous communities in India.

The turning point came when tribal communities marched 300 km to draw attention to the government’s plans to open up more portions of this dense forest tract for coal mining. This grassroots movement highlighted the power of collective action in preserving our environment.

The struggle was not easy. Many tribal members were employed by the mining companies and were forced to participate in the destruction of their own homes and the forest they worshipped. Despite this, they remained steadfast in their commitment to protect their land and their way of life.

Their efforts have not been in vain. The campaign has led to increased awareness about the importance of conserving our forests and has put pressure on the government and corporations to reconsider their actions. As a result, several coal blocks proposed for auction were dropped due to pressure from conservationists and state governments.

The story of the Hasdeo Aranya forest conservation is a testament to the resilience and determination of India’s indigenous communities. It serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for environmental conservation efforts worldwide.