Tara (Revised) Coal Block
Why in News?
The Tara (Revised) Coal Block is in the news following a recent clarification by the Union Ministry of Coal regarding its controversial allocation and auction process in Chhattisgarh's ecologically sensitive Hasdeo Arand region.
Key Facts & Timeline of the Tara (Revised) Coal Block
- Location: The coal block spans approximately 5,000 acres within the biodiversity-rich Hasdeo Arand region of Chhattisgarh, out of which over 4,000 acres consist of dense forest land.
- Initial Exclusion (July 2023): The block was originally offered under the 7th tranche in 2023 but was withdrawn following a request from the Chhattisgarh government to exclude areas overlapping with the Lemru Elephant Corridor.
- State Approval (December 2025): The timeline changed when the Chhattisgarh government sent a letter on December 11, 2025, stating that the block is outside the elephant corridor and requesting its inclusion in upcoming auctions.
- Boundary Revision: Following the state's nod, the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) revised the boundaries to strictly excise the influence zone of the Lemru Elephant Corridor, creating the "Tara (Revised)" block.
- Auction Outcome: The revamped block received high market interest with 9 bids. It was successfully allocated at a revenue share of 37.50%.
- Projected Economic Benefits: According to the Ministry of Coal, the mine is expected to generate over ₹1,200 crore in annual revenue for the state and create employment for more than 8,000 people.
Environmental Concerns
- Forest Destruction: Activists claim that mining operations will lead to the clear-felling of over 10 lakh (1 million) trees in a contiguous, ancient forest canopy.
- Human-Elephant Conflict: Though the administrative boundary removes the direct corridor area, critics argue that mining all around the Lemru Elephant Reserve will disrupt migration paths and worsen structural wildlife attrition.
- Local Resistance: Local Gram Sabhas (village councils) have actively opposed mining in this specific pocket for nearly 15 years, raising issues regarding legal tribal consent laws.
