Even in an era of heightened sensitivity towards climate change, our delicate energy equation necessitates the continuance of coal mining. The recent call by the chief of mining conglomerate Vedanta that only large firms with proven track records of developing big mines be allowed to commercially mine coal, has to be viewed in perspective. In fact, the opening of FDI in coal mining should also lead to heightened responsibility in coal mine development.
Perhaps, the biggest challenge to the environment comes when large coal-mining projects displace hundreds of habitations, pollute the environment and natural resources, and lead to unplanned and chaotic development. Even where large public sector companies had operated in the past, e.g. in Korba (once described as the gas-chamber of India), Talcher, Bokaro, Singareni, Singrauli etc., coal projects have led to mushrooming of slums, encroachments, untreated ash ponds and haphazard planning. Matters pertaining to tribal rehabilitation, public security, crime, civic discipline, air and water pollution, have left much to be desired. Mining cities, therefore, rate poorly on any social index. Read More
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