Meghalaya coal mining damage

Context

The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have voiced their worry about the absence of progress in reversing the damage of coal mining in Meghalaya. The state’s coal mines have been a major source of income, but the unlawful and wrong science mining practices have led to severe environmental destruction and health problems.

Key Points

• The Jaintia Hills coal mine, which was shut down in 2019 because of environmental issues, has led to the 1000 families being out of work.
• The Umngot River, which was formerly a source of drinking water, is now unfit for consumption because of coal mining activities.
• The village of Mawmluh, which was in the past, a busy agricultural community, is now influenced by coal mining activities.

International Cooperation

• The UNEP has offered both technical and financial help for the sustainable mining practices implementation in Meghalaya.
• The World Bank has been giving financial support for the reconstruction and recovery of the ruined parts of Meghalaya.
• The International Labour Organization (ILO) has aided the communities that were affected by natural disasters in Meghalaya with the provision of their livelihood support and rehabilitation.

Rat-Hole Mining and Environmental Impact

• The above-mentioned industrial activity, i.e., the rats-hole mining, was prohibited in April 2014 by the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) because of its dangerous nature.
• The people living around the abandoned mines in Meghalaya still suffer from acid mine drainage because the mine pits are still open and not yet closed.
• Acid mine drainage influences the local rivers, resulting in water that is acidic and has a high concentration of sulphate, iron and other toxic heavy metals.
• Heavy transportation vehicles and dumping of coal on the side of the road are the main causes of air, water, and soil pollution.

Restoration Efforts and Challenges

• The Brojendra Prasad Katakey committee, which was established by the High Court of Meghalaya, raised the issue of the non involvement of people in the restoration of the environment that has been destroyed by coal mining.
• The next steps should be taken to the re-establishment of the mining-impacted ecology, by the use of the MEPRF and the Central Pollution Control Board fund.
• The sourcing of coal for the coke ovens, ferroalloy, and captive power plants is being audited.

Health Hazards

The coal mining activities have also resulted in severe health hazards, including:

• Respiratory problems and lung diseases
• Skin diseases and cancer
• Waterborne diseases and contamination
• Noise pollution and hearing loss

Economic Impact

The coal mining activities have also had a significant economic impact, including:

• Loss of livelihoods and employment opportunities
• Decrease in agricultural productivity and income
• Damage to infrastructure and property
• Increase in healthcare costs and expenditure

Regulatory Framework

The regulatory framework for coal mining in Meghalaya is inadequate and ineffective, with:

• Lack of proper licensing and permits
• Inadequate monitoring and enforcement
• Insufficient penalties and punishments
• Lack of public participation and consultation

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. The unregulated coal mining activities in Meghalaya have led to severe environmental degradation and socio-economic repercussions. Analyse the factors contributing to the damage caused by coal mining in Meghalaya and suggest policy measures to address these challenges.

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