Greenpeace on Sunday demanded that the Indian government re-look at its massive expansion of coal mining in forest areas. It also demanded a moratorium on new coal mines.
These demands came on the eve of the 11th Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, which begins on Monday.
The government’s present policy of stepping up coal mining is destroying the environment, including the habitat for the endangered Indian tiger.
It is also forcing tens of thousands of people to leave their homes.
A Greenpeace mapping study shows that 13 coalfields in the central Indian landscape alone will destroy more than 1.1 million hectares of pristine woodland.
As a consequence of this environmental vandalism, over 14,000 tribal people in one region alone will lose their homes and livelihoods.
Many indigenous communities will be forcibly removed and placed into so called “rehabilitation centres” with no way to earn a living.
Samit Aich, executive director from Greenpeace, said, “India’s mad dash to mine coal is destroying the precious biological assets that this country should be protecting. Instead of showing leadership as the host of this prestigious conference, the government is leading the way on the destruction of tens of thousands of hectares of forest.”
The COP 11 has the powers to agree to future international agreements to protect the planet’s biodiversity.
“It is important to recognise that all the world’s oceans are connected. That is why we are asking the Indian government to take a more active role internationally by advocating ocean protection. If the Indian government adopts these measures, then the country will become an international leader in supporting sustainable oceans,” Greenpeace said.