Why in the News?

On July 13, three workers died of asphyxiation in an illegal coal mine near Bhet village in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district. The workers were not equipped with helmets, masks, or other safety gear. An FIR revealed that the accused failed to provide essential safety equipment, leading to the workers inhaling toxic gas. The police have charged four individuals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• About India’s Coal Reserves
• Illegal Coal Mining (Reasons, Challenges, etc.)
• Conclusion

India’s Coal Reserves:

• India holds fifth-largest coal reserves in the world.
• Commercial coal-mining industry has been in operation since 1774, launched by the East India Company along the Damodar River in West Bengal.
• 70 per cent of India’s coal supply comes from the states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.
• State-owned Coal India Limited has a virtual monopoly on coal mines in India, which produce roughly 75 per cent of the coal burned in India’s coal-fired power stations.

Why Illegal Coal Mining is Rampant in India?

• Illegal coal mining persists in India due to a combination of economic, social, political, and regulatory factors.
• Despite efforts to curb this activity, several key elements contribute to its prevalence:
  • High Demand for Coal:
    • Coal is essential for 55% of India’s energy needs
    • The legal supply often falls short of demand, leading to an illegal supply chain.

• Economic Necessity:
  • Coal-rich areas often coincide with regions facing poverty and unemployment.
  • Illegal mining provides an income source for local populations.
• Weak Regulation and Enforcement:
  • Remote mining areas suffer from inadequate monitoring and resource allocation.
  • Poor enforcement leads to the rise of "coal mafias" controlling illegal mining activities.
• Political Complicity:
  • Allegations of political support for illegal mining are common.
  • Political figures have been accused of backing illegal operations, making eradication difficult.
• Rudimentary Mining Techniques:
  • Illegal operations use basic methods like surface and rat-hole mining.
  • Minimal operational costs turn into significant profits, attracting more illegal miners.
• Safety and Health Hazards:
  • Lack of safety equipment and protocols leads to frequent worker fatalities.
  • Poor structural support in illegal mines increases the risk of cave-ins and toxic exposure.

Challenges in Reducing Illegal Coal Mining:

• Jurisdictional Issues:
  • Law enforcement is a state responsibility, leading to blame-shifting between state and central governments.
• Economic Dependencies:
  • Local economies in coal-rich areas depend heavily on mining activities.
  • When legal mines close, illegal mining often continues to support the community.
• Complex Legal Framework:
  • The intricate legal system governing mining can lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
  • This complexity makes it easier for illegal mining to persist.

Conclusion:

• Illegal coal mining in India is a multifaceted issue driven by high demand, economic necessity, weak enforcement, political support, and safety negligence.
• The challenge is exacerbated by jurisdictional and legal complexities, making it a persistent problem despite regulatory efforts.
• Addressing these root causes is essential for effectively combating illegal coal mining in the country.