About the Book

 

On the unstable earth, the un-resting man constantly uses the different resources for his daily life. Coal is recognized to be themain source for energy for many decades and contributes to nearly 27% of the world commercial energy requirement. Coal is mined by two main methods- Surface or opencast and underground mining method. Geological condition determines the method of mining. Coal mining is usually associated with degradation of natural resources and destruction of habitat. This causes invasive species to occupy the area, thus posing a threat to biodiversity. The huge quantities of waste material are produced by several mining activities in the coal mining region. If proper care is not taken for waste disposal, mining degrades the environment. The method of waste disposal affects land, water and air and in turns the quality of life of the people in the adjacent areas.

        Mining activity also create tremendous pressure on local flora and fauna particularly where diversion of forest land takes place for mining purposes. The effect of mining on ground water level, silting of surrounding water bodies and land are also great concern. Coal mining contributes largely towards economic development of the nation although it has a great impact upon the human health. It also has its impact on socio-cultural aspect of the workers and people residing in and around coal mining areas. Thus a holistic approach for taking up to mining activities, keeping in mind concerns for adjoining habitats and ecosystem, is the need of the hour. This requires identification of various sites where minerals exist and various factors ranging from appropriate angle of slope of overburden dumps, safe disposal drains, and safe techniques to various silt control structures etc. In India Coal companies are now working towards “clean coal” strategies, which aim to reduce environmental impacts. The reduced ash contents of the washed coal increase the thermal efficiency of combustion which in turn makes a direct impact on reducing emission of pollutants. However the coal washing requires extra water and it can turn towards a pollution free society.

        Burning of coal, releases harmful substances such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, particulates dust and ash. Dangerous levels of air and water pollution have been recorded in coal burning areas. It is globally accepted that coal mining adversely affects local and global environment. Mining adversely affects local environment in that it destroys vegetation, causes extensive soil erosion and alters microbial communities. Although coal mining does affect global environment through release of coal- bed methane, which is about 30 times as powerful as greenhouse gas as carbon dioxide.

Coal mining thus adversely impacts on air quality standards. Underground mining causes depletion of groundwater at some places, as well as subsidence etc. resulting in degradation of soil and land. Subsidence of the soil beyond permissible limits requires filling of the subsidence area. The displacement and resettlement of affected people including change in culture, heritage and related features, criminal and other illicit activities on account of sudden economic development of the area can be said to be the adverse social and cultural impact.