More than 2.8 million trees on forest land across India were approved for felling or were already recorded as felled between July 2023 and May 2026, according to an analysis of official forest diversion records.
The findings, published by environmental magazine Down To Earth (DTE), are based on minutes of meetings of the Advisory Committee constituted under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980. The committee reviews proposals seeking the diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes.
The analysis identified 288 unique forest diversion proposals considered during the three year period. Of these, 242 projects received approval, resulting in an approval rate of more than 80 percent. The approved projects led to the diversion of over 22,000 hectares of forest land across 27 different sectors.
Mining projects emerged as the largest contributor to tree felling, accounting for approximately 1.35 million trees approved for cutting or already felled. Hydropower projects followed with around 930,000 trees, while rehabilitation-related projects accounted for nearly 230,000 trees.
Together, these three sectors represented nearly 90 percent of the total trees affected by the approved forest diversion proposals.
The analysis also found that most projects involved relatively small areas of forest land. A total of 139 proposals covered up to 10 hectares of forest land, while 55 projects involved between 11 and 100 hectares. Thirty five projects were spread across 101 to 500 hectares, nine covered between 501 and 1,000 hectares, and four projects exceeded 1,000 hectares.
Chhattisgarh Coal Project Recorded Highest Tree Felling
The largest number of trees approved for felling was linked to the Kente Extension opencast coal mining and pit head coal washery project in Chhattisgarh’s Surguja division. More than 400,000 trees were approved for removal for the project.
The project has faced opposition from local communities and activists, who have raised concerns about forest rights, environmental impacts and alleged violations of legal consent procedures.
The analysis further revealed that at least 84 approved projects recorded no tree felling. However, tree felling data was not mentioned in the records of 14 projects. Among them was the Sijimali bauxite mining project in Odisha, which involves around 700 hectares of forest land.
Although official documents noted that tree enumeration had been conducted in the area, no exact figure for trees likely to be affected was provided. The records stated that vegetation on the plateau was sparse and that ecological impacts would be limited. However, they also acknowledged that tree removal near valley regions could disrupt wildlife habitats, increase soil erosion and affect nearby water bodies.
Concerns Over Forest Rights and Biodiversity
Several of the projects highlighted in the analysis have been at the centre of environmental and social controversies. Activist groups have alleged that some forest diversion proposals proceeded without proper consent from local Gram Sabhas, as required under existing laws protecting indigenous communities and forest dwellers.
Environmental experts have also raised concerns about the cumulative impact of large scale forest diversion on biodiversity, wildlife habitats and water resources. Previous studies by scientific institutions have warned that mining expansion in ecologically sensitive areas could increase human-wildlife conflict and threaten critical river systems.
The findings come amid ongoing debates over balancing infrastructure and industrial development with forest conservation and the rights of indigenous communities. Earlier reports had indicated that more than 6.9 million trees were approved for felling between 2016 and 2019, suggesting that forest diversion remains a major environmental concern in India.