Modi Govt’s Coal Reform Policy Quashed Over Environmental Concerns

The Modi government’s 2020 coal reform policy, which aimed to open up the coal sector to commercial mining by private entities, has been quashed by a court. The ruling came in response to petitions filed by environmental activists, residents of mining areas and the Chhattisgarh government, who argued the policy was approved without proper environmental assessment and public consultation.

The court found that the policy violated constitutional and statutory environmental protections, particularly the precautionary principle. It highlighted the policy’s failure to adequately consider the severe environmental and social impacts of expanded coal mining, including deforestation, pollution, displacement of communities, and the contradiction with India’s climate commitments.

The decision is framed as a significant victory for environmental and tribal rights, reinforcing that large-scale industrial projects cannot bypass comprehensive environmental scrutiny and the rights of affected people.

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