CHENNAI: India is witnessing an unprecedented boom in coal mining and establishment of new coalfired thermal power plants.A significant proportion of the planned power plants, and virtually all of the new coal mines, are located in the Central Indian states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Eastern Maharashtra and parts of Orissa. Also, about 26,000 hectares of forest land alone have been diverted for coal mining since 2007.Hence, seeking people’s support to stop destruction of forests for coal mining, Greenpeace on Wednesday launched the imaginary Republic of Junglistan from its “embassy” at Elliot’s Beach.Bhaalu and Sheru, the endangered and threatened residents of Junglistan, handed out virtual citizenships and passports to people who pledged their support for forests and diversity.Shiva Sharma, public engagement campaigner, Greenpeace India, said, “Coal India Limited already has 2,00,000 hectares of land with them, of which 55,000 hectares are forest land. Hence, their contention that forest clearances are hampering power generation is misleading. The ministry’s insistence on more land for mining is nothing short of land grab, which is also endangering our forests, our tigers, elephants and bears, biodiversity and the fabric of life of forest communities. We are inviting people to join Junglistan as a show of support to our forests.” The organisers said that there are alternate sources of energy, which are cleaner and sustainable, and India will have to make that choice if it wants energy security as well as a safe environment.This nationwide mobilisation drive aims to register people’s support across cities on ground and online. The campaign is being launched in Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai simultaneously and will reach Bangalore and Chandrapur next week. The mascots of Junglistan, Sheru and Bhaalu, will be touring Chennai to gather support and spread awareness about the threat to their habitat.
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