📷 Image: Flickr (CC)
Agriculture
Supreme Court notices plea to enforce forest rights near PEKB coal block, Chhattisgarh
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 24 Aug 2026, 07:36 PM
👁 5
The Supreme Court has issued a notice in response to a petition seeking enforcement of forest rights for local communities near the PEKB coal block in Chhattisgarh.
The apex court has taken up a petition that asks for the enforcement of community forest rights in the vicinity of the PEKB coal block in Chhattisgarh. The petition, filed by representatives of forest‑dependent communities, alleges that their legally recognised rights under the Forest Rights Act are being infringed by mining activities.
In its order, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Union government and the state authorities, directing them to appear and respond to the claims. The notice signals that the court will examine the compatibility of the coal mining operations with the rights granted to the local populace.
Legal experts note that the intervention comes amid growing concerns over the balance between mineral extraction and the protection of tribal and forest rights. The proceedings are expected to clarify the extent of the communities' entitlements and the obligations of the mining firms.
The case underscores the broader debate on sustainable development in mineral‑rich regions of India, where environmental safeguards and livelihood rights often intersect with economic interests.
In its order, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Union government and the state authorities, directing them to appear and respond to the claims. The notice signals that the court will examine the compatibility of the coal mining operations with the rights granted to the local populace.
Legal experts note that the intervention comes amid growing concerns over the balance between mineral extraction and the protection of tribal and forest rights. The proceedings are expected to clarify the extent of the communities' entitlements and the obligations of the mining firms.
The case underscores the broader debate on sustainable development in mineral‑rich regions of India, where environmental safeguards and livelihood rights often intersect with economic interests.