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22 July 2026

Forest land diversion for coal project in Odisha

The topic involves the application of the Van (Sanrakshan evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, and highlights the recurring conflict between industrial development, natural resource distribution, and environmental conservation, which are core themes in the UPSC syllabus.

1 min read 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • Proposed diversion of 754.039 hectares of forest land in Angul, Odisha, for a coal project by Rungta Sons Private Ltd.
  • The project involves the potential felling of 3,31,818 trees.
  • The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) Advisory Committee has recommended 'Stage-1/In-principle approval' for the diversion.
  • Approval is processed under the provisions of the Van (Sanrakshan evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980.
  • 66 coal blocks identified in the region; potential development could impact nearly 350 villages.

Questions

  1. Discuss the challenges of balancing industrial development with forest conservation in India, with reference to the diversion of forest land for coal mining projects. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Examine the role of the MoEFCC Advisory Committee in the forest clearance process under the Van (Sanrakshan evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980. How does the large-scale diversion of forest land for extractive industries impact local ecosystems and rural livelihoods? 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Under which legislation does the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change grant approval for the diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-22/forest-land-diversion-for-coal-project-in-odisha