Jairam Ramesh Urges Courts to Review Coal Mining in Singrauli Forests

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh urged courts to scrutinize the approval of coal mining in protected forests within the Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh.

The request highlights a clash between industrial expansion and environmental preservation in areas specifically designated as 'no-go' forests to protect biodiversity. If these protections are bypassed, it could set a precedent for the deregulation of other protected ecological zones across India.

Ramesh, a former Union Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, said this in New Delhi on May 23, 2025 ^[1]. He specifically targeted the decision of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change to permit the activity in the region.

"The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change predictably cleared the proposal from the Modani empire," Ramesh said.

The former minister said the approval ignores established environmental safeguards. He noted that coal mining has been allowed in the dense forests of the Singrauli region, despite their status as protected areas.

Because the forests are classified as 'no-go' zones, the decision to allow mining is seen by critics as a violation of ecological mandates. Ramesh said the judicial system is the remaining recourse to ensure these areas are not permanently destroyed by industrial activity.

"I hope the courts will take up this issue with sensitivity," Ramesh said.

The call for judicial intervention comes as the government continues to balance energy needs with conservation goals. The Singrauli district is a major hub for power generation, but its forests serve as critical carbon sinks, and habitats for wildlife. By calling for a sensitive review, Ramesh is asking the courts to prioritize long-term ecological stability over short-term economic gain from the Modani empire's proposal.