Mallikarjun Kharge Accuses Centre Of ‘Ecological Assault’, Says 19.1 Lakh Hectares Of Forest Land Diverted Since 2014

On Friday, June 5, 2026, marking World Environment Day, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi-led government, alleging that India has witnessed large-scale diversion of forest land and environmental degradation over the past 11 years.

In a statement issued on World Environment Day, Kharge claimed that around 19.1 lakh hectares of forest land have been diverted for non-forest purposes since 2014.

He described the trend as an “ecological assault” and accused the Centre of prioritising corporate interests over environmental protection and the rights of local communities.

The Congress leader said forests, wildlife habitats and ecologically sensitive regions across the country were facing increasing pressure from mining, infrastructure and industrial projects.

He alleged that environmental safeguards had been steadily weakened through policy changes and amendments to existing laws.

Kharge also criticised what he termed the dilution of environmental regulations and claimed that several projects had received clearances despite concerns raised by environmental groups and local residents.

He argued that such decisions could have long-term consequences for biodiversity, water security and climate resilience.

The remarks come amid an ongoing political debate over forest conservation and land diversion in India.

Data presented by the Union government in Parliament in recent years showed that more than three lakh hectares of forest land were approved for non-forest use between 2008-09 and 2022-23 under the Forest (Conservation) Act, while government figures released in 2025 indicated that over 1.73 lakh hectares of forest land had been diverted for non-forestry purposes between 2014 and 2024.

Mining, irrigation and road projects accounted for a significant share of these approvals.

Kharge said World Environment Day should serve as a reminder of the need to balance development with ecological sustainability.

He called for stronger measures to protect forests, preserve biodiversity and ensure that environmental decision-making remains transparent and accountable.

The BJP-led government has repeatedly maintained that India’s overall forest and tree cover has increased in recent years.

According to official figures cited by the Centre, the country’s forest and tree cover stands at more than 25 per cent of its geographical area, with a cumulative increase recorded since 2013.

The exchange reflects continuing differences between the ruling party and the Opposition over the country’s environmental policies, particularly concerning forest clearances, mining projects and infrastructure development in ecologically sensitive areas.

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