Chhattisgarh Villagers Secure Win Against Mining After Violent Protests

सही उत्तर: B

Statement 1 is correct. PESA mandates that the Gram Sabha or the Panchayats at the appropriate level shall be consulted before making the acquisition of land in the Scheduled Areas for development projects and before resettling or rehabilitating persons affected by such projects. It also empowers them to approve plans, programmes and projects for social and economic development. Statement 2 is incorrect. Under PESA, the recommendation of the Gram Sabha is mandatory for granting prospecting license or mining lease for minor minerals. However, for major minerals, the Gram Sabha's recommendation is consultative, not mandatory. The news refers to a coal block, which is a major mineral. Statement 3 is correct. PESA extends the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution relating to Panchayats to the Scheduled Areas mentioned in the Fifth Schedule, with certain modifications and exceptions. Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct.

सही उत्तर: A

Statement 1 is correct. Hasdeo Arand is indeed located in Chhattisgarh and is renowned for its ecological significance, including dense forests and rich biodiversity. Statement 2 is correct. The region is a vital elephant corridor connecting different forest patches and is part of the catchment area for the Hasdeo River, a tributary of the Mahanadi. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) recognizes and vests forest rights and occupation in forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. Community Forest Rights (CFRs) under FRA include rights over all forest produce (minor and major), not just minor forest produce. The distinction between minor and major forest produce is more relevant in the context of PESA for Gram Sabha's ownership rights over minor forest produce.

सही उत्तर: C

Statement 1 is incorrect. The 'No-Go' areas policy was proposed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (now MoEFCC) to identify and restrict mining in ecologically sensitive forest areas. However, it faced significant resistance from the Ministry of Coal and other stakeholders and was never formally implemented as a legally binding framework. It remains a guiding principle but not a strict legal barrier. Statement 2 is incorrect. EIA reports are typically prepared by private consultants or agencies hired by the project proponent (the company seeking clearance), not primarily by government agencies. This model often raises concerns about the impartiality and quality of EIA reports. Statement 3 is correct. Under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal ministry responsible for granting forest clearance for any non-forest activity, including mining, in forest areas.