| Dear Ravindran, The coal versus forest tussle has intensified. A decision will be taken soon by the Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Pranab Mukherjee. Their first meeting is on Thursday. [1] Last year environment and forest minister Jairam Ramesh marked certain dense forests as No Go zones for coal mining.[2] The coal ministry however wants access to all these areas.[3] The GoM is now going to decide if we should destroy these forests and the biodiversity they hold to mine more polluting coal.[4] These forests are crucial to the livelihood of millions and home to wildlife like tigers and elephants.[5] Forests are a national asset and a decision on them needs to have public consent. Over 27,000 people have pledged their support for forests and are asking Pranab Mukherjee to hold a public consultation. Can you also pledge your support for India's forests by asking Minister Pranab Mukherjee to hold a public consultation before taking a decision? http://greenpeace.org/india/en/What-We-Do/Stop-Climate-Change/Quit-Coal/public-consultation-on-forests/
There isn't much time. Those in favour of mining our forests seem to dominate the GoM. More people standing up for forests will strengthen the demand and help put pressure on the minister to act. A public consultation will help voices supporting our forests come to the fore. There are clean and viable renewable energy options which can minimize our dependence on coal. [6] However, once destroyed a natural forest cannot be re-created. The GoM's decision will affect threatened biodiversity and the livelihood of millions. Minister Pranab Mukherjee needs to hear what the people of this country want. Pledge your support to forests by asking Minister Pranab Mukherjee to hold a public consultation. http://greenpeace.org/india/en/What-We-Do/Stop-Climate-Change/Quit-Coal/public-consultation-on-forests/ Thanks a billion!
![]() Preethi Herman
Climate Campaigner
Greenpeace India
Sources: -
No-go zoning plan on GoM menu, Times of India, February, 11, 2011
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/No-go-zoning-plan-on-GoM-menu/articleshow/7471754.cms -
35% of India's coal mining areas are in 'no go' zones, DNA, March 27, 2010
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_35pct-of-india-s-coal-mining-areas-are-in-no-go-zones_1363884 -
Allow mining in 90% no-go zones', Hindusthan Times, October 29 2010
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Allow-mining-in-90-no-go-zones/Article1-619206.aspx -
GoM will look into sensitive 'no-go' mining areas, Deccan Herald, January 13, 2011
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/128848/cabinet-decides-set-up-gom.html -
Forests will rescue India, says Jairam Ramesh, new.rediff.com, August 11, 200
http://news.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/aug/11/slide-show-1-forests-are-indias-rescuer-says-jairam-ramesh.htm -
Greenpeace provides an alternate energy vision for India, Greenpeace, March 24, 2009
http://www.greenpeace.org/india/en/news/greenpeace-provides-an-alterna/
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