Recently, a significant controversy has been stirred up around the coal mining project in Chhattisgarh, led by Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL). This controversy surrounds the potential impact it may have on the local environment and communities, further highlighting the complex relationship between industry needs and environmental protection.
AEL has been actively involved in coal mining in the Parsa East and Kente Basan coal blocks of Chhattisgarh’s Surguja district for over a decade. Furthermore, for more than a year, a large number of local people, particularly from the Gond tribe, have been protesting against mining at the entrance to Hariharpur.
The Environmental Impact of the Mining Operations
The ongoing mining process in the region is projected to result in the loss of about 8 lakh trees of the Sal forests in Hasdeo Aranya. Ultimately, this will negatively impact the catchment of the Hasdeo river. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had put a hold on the mining licenses in 2014, in an attempt to mitigate the potential damage to the environment. However, the Supreme Court later nullified this order, allowing mining operations to begin again.
Effect of Mining on Local Communities
The mining project has adversely impacted the lives of locals. For example, the mining operations have consumed vast amounts of forest land and destroyed grazing areas for cattle. This has, in turn, affected the groundwater level and the stability of the earth around borewells and tube wells, which had previously been used for minor farming. The ‘Save Hasdeo Campaign’ has been launched as a response, aiming to protect the forests of Hasdeo.
An Overview of Coal as a Fossil Fuel
Coal is a type of fossil fuel found in sedimentary rock formations and is often referred to as ‘Black Gold’. This fuel source is abundant and used widely in industries such as iron and steel, steam engines, and to generate electricity. The leading coal producers globally are China, the US, Australia, Indonesia, and India.
Distribution and Classification of Coal in India
India’s coal reserves are primarily composed of Gondwana Coal Fields (which are about 250 million years old) and Tertiary Coal Fields (which are between 15 – 60 million years old). Coal is also classified based on its carbon content, ranging from Anthracite which has the highest carbon content to Peat, which has the lowest.
India’s Coal Reserves
The top states in India with the most extensive coal reserves include Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. Despite being rich in coal reserves, India still imports millions of tons of coal to meet domestic supply shortages.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims
These past UPSC Questions highlight the complex dynamics surrounding India’s coal production, importation habits, and the nationalization of the coal sector by the government under Indira Gandhi. Here, we note that despite the adverse environmental impact of coal mining, it still remains an inevitable part of the development process.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024