Environment – Kharge Alleges Forest Loss and Weakening of Ecological Safeguards
Environment – Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday accused the Union government of failing to adequately protect the country’s natural resources, claiming that forests, biodiversity-rich regions and ecological safeguards have come under increasing pressure during the past decade. His remarks came in connection with World Environment Day, when he called for stronger efforts to preserve forests, rivers, oceans, air quality and wildlife habitats across the country.
Criticism Linked to World Environment Day
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Kharge said environmental protection should become a national priority amid rising climate-related challenges. He argued that while public awareness campaigns encourage citizens to adapt to extreme weather conditions, large-scale development and infrastructure projects are continuing to place significant pressure on natural ecosystems.
According to Kharge, official records and project approvals indicate that approximately 1,91,922 hectares of forest land have been cleared over the last 11 years. He further alleged that more than 1.6 crore trees have been cut down since 2014, raising concerns about the long-term impact on biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
Projects Across States Under Scrutiny
The Congress leader cited several projects in different parts of the country that he believes could have major ecological consequences. Referring to the Great Nicobar development project in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, he claimed that nearly 10 lakh trees could be affected, potentially altering a sensitive island ecosystem.
Kharge also pointed to mining and infrastructure activities in Madhya Pradesh, which he said could result in the loss of around seven lakh trees. In Chhattisgarh, he highlighted the Hasdeo Arand coal mining project, alleging that about five lakh trees may be felled in an area known for its ecological importance.
Concerns Over Regional Environmental Impact
Continuing his criticism, Kharge stated that various development projects in Rajasthan could affect between 1.5 lakh and four lakh trees, putting additional pressure on the Aravalli region. He also claimed that road construction projects, including highways and expressways in Uttar Pradesh, have led to the removal of nearly one lakh trees.
In Assam, he alleged that highway expansion activities have resulted in the cutting of close to one lakh trees over the past four years. Similar concerns were raised regarding Odisha, where he said the Bharatmala project has led to the loss of around 50,000 trees. In Maharashtra, he claimed that coastal infrastructure projects and mining operations are impacting thousands of trees as well as important mangrove habitats.
Debate Over Forest Cover Data
A significant part of Kharge’s criticism focused on how forest cover is measured in official reports. He argued that the India State of Forest Report includes plantations, orchards, bamboo-covered areas, rubber plantations and oil palm plantations within broader forest-cover calculations based on satellite imagery.
According to him, this methodology does not adequately distinguish between natural forests and plantation-based green cover. He claimed that such classifications can create an impression of stable or increasing forest cover even when ecologically valuable natural forests are under pressure.
Allegations of Weakened Environmental Framework
Kharge further alleged that environmental protections established through various laws and institutions over several decades have gradually been diluted. He referred to legislation introduced during the tenure of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, including laws related to wildlife, forests, water and air protection, as key milestones in India’s environmental governance structure.
He also highlighted measures introduced during the United Progressive Alliance government, including the Forest Rights Act, Environmental Impact Assessment framework, National Green Tribunal and climate action initiatives. According to Kharge, recent policy changes and faster project clearances have reduced the effectiveness of these safeguards.
Call for Balanced Development
Concluding his remarks, Kharge said India’s future development model should be guided by adherence to environmental laws, cooperation with local communities and a balanced approach that recognizes the connection between economic growth and ecological protection. He stressed that sustainable development would be essential for building a healthier and more resilient future.