India’s illegal coal mining problem
- July 26, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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India’s illegal coal mining problem
Sub: Geo
Sec: Eco geo
Context:
- On July 13, three workers died of asphyxiation in an illegal coal mine in Surendranagar district, Gujarat.
Background and Legal Framework
- Coal in India was nationalized in two phases: coking coal in 1971-72 and non-coking coal in 1973.
- The Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973, regulates coal mining eligibility in India.
- Illegal mining is a law-and-order issue, under state jurisdiction, putting the responsibility on state governments.
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act): This central legislation governs the mining sector, detailing processes for acquiring mining licenses and regulating mining activities. It empowers state governments to frame rules to prevent illegal mining.
Factors Contributing to Illegal Coal Mining
- India’s high demand for coal, which fuels 55% of its energy needs, often exceeds the legal supply, encouraging illegal mining.
- Poverty and unemployment in coal-rich areas drive locals to illegal mining.
- Weak enforcement of mining regulations, especially in remote areas, contributes to the problem.
- “Coal mafias” and alleged political support complicate efforts to curb illegal mining.
- Techniques like surface mining and rat-hole mining are often used in illegal operations, bypassing scientific and safer methods required for legal mining.
Worker Safety Issues in Illegal Mines
- The primary cause of worker deaths in illegal mines is the lack of safety equipment and protocols.
- Workers face respiratory risks from coal dust and toxic gases like carbon monoxide.
- Illegal mines often lack structural support, making them prone to cave-ins and other hazards.
- Many workers are untrained and unprepared for the risks, with limited access to emergency response facilities.
Challenges in Addressing Illegal Coal Mining:
- The Indian government faces challenges in curbing illegal coal mining due to a mix of economic, social, political, and regulatory factors.
- The issue has existed since before the nationalization of coal and continues in coal-rich or abandoned mining areas.
- The complexity of the legal framework governing mining can lead to bureaucratic hurdles and inefficiencies, allowing illegal mining to persist.
Source: TH