Issue of illegal coal mining in India

Source: The post issue of illegal coal mining in India has been created, based on the article “India’s illegal coal mining problem” published in “The Hindu” on 26th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Infrastructure – Mining

Context:  The article discusses the issue of illegal coal mining in India, highlighting recent worker deaths due to unsafe conditions. It explains that high coal demand, poverty, weak regulations, and political support contribute to the prevalence of illegal mining despite government efforts.

For detailed information on Coming clean on coal read this article here

What is the History of Coal Mining in India?

1. Nationalization Phases: Coal mining was nationalized in two phases: coking coal in 1971-72 and non-coking coal in 1973.
2. Central Legislation: The Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act, 1973, governs coal mining eligibility.
3. State Responsibility: Illegal mining is a law-and-order issue, making state governments responsible for addressing it.
4. Persistent Issue: Despite nationalization, illegal mining remains prevalent due to high coal demand and local economic dependence. For example, recent incidents include worker deaths in Gujarat, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, highlighting ongoing illegal mining activities.

Why is Illegal Coal Mining Common in India?

1. High Coal Demand: Coal meets 55% of India’s energy needs, often outstripping legal supply, prompting illegal mining.
2. Poverty and Unemployment: Coal-rich areas often face poverty and unemployment, driving locals to illegal mining.
3. Weak Regulations: In remote areas, inadequate monitoring and resources lead to weak enforcement of mining regulations.
4. Coal Mafias: Illegal mining is often controlled by “coal mafias,” supported by local authorities, as seen in multiple cases.
5. Political Support: Allegations suggest political leaders support illegal mining. For instance, in Assam, BJP leaders were accused of backing illegal operations.
6. Economic Dependency: Local economies depend on mining, making illegal operations lucrative once legal mines close.

What Makes Illegal Coal Mining Dangerous?

1. Lack of Safety Equipment: Workers often lack helmets, masks, and other safety gear, leading to fatalities from toxic gas inhalation, as seen in the Surendranagar incident.
2. Structural Risks: Illegal mines lack proper support, causing cave-ins and landslides, as occurred in Jharkhand and West Bengal.
3. Toxic Exposure: Miners face high levels of toxic substances like lead and mercury, increasing health risks.
4. Untrained Workers: Many workers are untrained, lacking emergency response skills.
5. Operator Negligence: Exploitation and negligence by mine operators worsen the danger.

Why Is It Hard to Stop Illegal Mining?

Stopping illegal mining is challenging because:

1. It’s mainly a state issue, and the central government often passes responsibility to state authorities.
2. The complex legal framework governing mining creates bureaucratic challenges.
3. Economic dependence on mining in local communities perpetuates the cycle of illegal mining.

Question for practice:

Discuss the reasons behind the prevalence of illegal coal mining in India despite government efforts to curb it.