Coal transport from NTPC’s Pakri Barwadih project in Hazaribagh continues by road despite a clear mandate that it must be done through a conveyor belt to protect wildlife. Official records show that the Forest Department has given three contradictory replies on the same matter in the State Assembly, in response to an RTI application, and in a report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Also Read: Mineral Transport Toll Declared Invalid by Jharkhand High Court
Contradictions Across Three Forums
During a question in the Assembly, former MLA Lobin Hembrom was informed that the conveyor belt could not be constructed due to pending land acquisition, forcing the company to use road transport. In contrast, the RTI response from the department stated that it had no information about coal being transported by road. Adding to the confusion, the department’s report to the NGT cited a partial amendment in forest clearance terms as the reason why road transport was permitted in some areas.
Also Read: Ranchi Hosted 4th Mining Summit, Called for Balance Between Growth and Environment
Wildlife Habitat at Stake
The Hazaribagh mining area is home to several Schedule I and II species, considered highly protected under the Wildlife Protection Act. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had made conveyor belt transportation a mandatory condition while granting clearance for coal mining. Despite this, road movement of coal continues, increasing the risk of habitat disturbance for these species.
The NGT had sought a detailed compliance report in February 2025 after observing these contradictory statements. However, the report is still awaited, raising concerns over enforcement of environmental safeguards and accountability of the concerned authorities.
Also Read: Hindustan Copper and Jharkhand Government Signed 20-Year Lease for Rakha Copper Mine
Join the WhatsApp Group of Business Jharkhand to Stay tuned for all the latest updates of industrial-political developments in Jharkhand.
