Actor Abhay Deol Flies on Hot Air Balloon to Protect Forests

These days, almost every eco-friendly campaign benefits from the support of a worldwide known celebrity. In this case, actor Abhay Deol has recently decided to join Greenpeace officials on a hot air balloon trip in India, part of their 'Forests no Coal' initiative.

The contribution of a public figure, representative for India, is much needed at this point, since the promise of a coal-free future is still far away.

Even though the nation has committed to boosting the usage and popularity of renewables, by investing considerably in the solar industry, it is also tempted by the large coal reserves stocked under forests in central and eastern region.

If the government approves coal-mining projects in Madhya Pradesh, often called the Heart of India, this decision would affect the lives of thousands of villagers and trigger environmental degradation.

Apart from the effects coal-burning processes have on the atmosphere, the exploitation of this natural resource would definitely impact the balance of forests in India.

After taking these factors into consideration, Greenpeace India has indicated that, even though mining activities are profitable, they could disrupt communities, water supplies and wildlife, like tigers, leopards, and elephants.

The Coal Ministry has suggested that the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) should divide India in 'Go' regions, suitable for exploitation, and 'No-go' regions, considered off-limits for mining operations.

The plan looked good on paper, but the Coal Ministry expects unlimited access to all 602 coal blocks hidden under forests, wanting them marked as 'Go' surfaces, even though there are other 2,000,000 hectares of coal-bearing land available for exploitation all across the country.

The lives of millions of people depend on the balance of Indian forests. So far, mining operation have affected several regions, like Jharkand, Orissa and Chattisgarh, contaminating rivers and reducing the elephant population.

"I try to make an effort to reduce my carbon footprint. [...]The government has the power. Our government can be very efficient when it wants to be; they can do this,” stated Abhay Deol.

The Bollywood actor firmly believes that Indians can dictate and support changes, by letting the government know that mining operations aren't welcomed in areas covered by fragile woodland.