RAIPUR: Amidst mounting protests from environmental and tribal groups against mining operations in the Hasdeo Aranya region, Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday defended the move saying that the coal is required to meet the country’s energy requirement but rules of forest and environment should not be violated and affected people should get adequate compensation.
Speaking to reporters in the state capital before flying to Bastar to embark on the second phase of the "meet and greet" programme beginning in tribal Bastar region, he said "electricity generation largely depends on coal which is available in abundance in forest regions and mountains".
