Balco illegally encroaching and felling trees in Chhattisgarh

A report from the Supreme Court’s Empowered Committee has accused Balco, a company controlled by Vedanta, of illegal activities in Chhattisgarh. The committee found that Balco has been encroaching on forest land and cutting down trees on 148 acres. The report recommends strict action against the company for these violations. It calls for compensatory afforestation, which means Balco should plant trees to make up for the ones it has removed. The committee also suggests that broader investigations should be conducted to check for similar illegal activities in the area. This development highlights concerns over environmental protection and corporate responsibility in India. Authorities are expected to respond to the committee's findings and recommendations.