Amidst escalated tensions and police presence, tree felling has commenced for the Parsa East and Kete Basan (PEKB) phase-2 extension coal mines in the environmentally significant Hasdeo Arand area of Chhattisgarh's Surguja district. Activists protesting against the coal mining faced detention by the police, sparking a confrontation.

The Opposition Congress, raising objections in the state Assembly, accused the ruling BJP government of favouring industrialists over environmental concerns. However, the local administration asserted having the requisite permissions for the tree felling, while police officials claimed they advised locals against creating a law and order situation.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai acknowledged opposition to deforestation but highlighted that no arrests had been made. The forest department initiated tree felling for PEKB phase 2, deploying police personnel to maintain law and order, affirming the possession of necessary clearances.

Last year, the state government sanctioned the use of 1,136.328 hectares of forest land for the PEKKB phase-II mine, allotted to Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL). The forest department's attempts to start the tree cutting exercise previously faced resistance from locals and protests from groups like the Hasdeo Arand Bachao Sangharsh Samiti.

Alok Shukla, Convener of Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan, expressed dismay over the government's decision to proceed with tree felling, emphasizing the opposition by local gram sabhas and the unanimous resolution passed by the Chhattisgarh Assembly against mining activities in the Hasdeo area.

The situation escalated when individuals, allegedly unidentified, intercepted and restricted Shukla's movement along with others. Shukla condemned the action and demanded an immediate halt to the ongoing deforestation drive.

Leader of Opposition Charan Das Mahant echoed concerns in the Assembly, highlighting the commencement of tree felling in Hasdeo and the arrest of protesting tribals. The Opposition stressed the need to protect Hasdeo from destruction and prevent the displacement of local communities and the disruption of the forest ecosystem for industrial interests.