Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Coal production in India

Mains level: Coal Mining and its challenges;

Why in the News?

A new study by the National Foundation of India (NFI) reveals that 75% of focus group participants have chronic respiratory and skin ailments due to prolonged exposure to coal mining pollutants.

The study report titled, “At the Crossroads: Marginalised Communities and the Just Transition Dilemma”, is a sequel to the 2021 study by NFI on the socio-economic impact of coal transitions in India.

Key Highlights of the reports by the National Foundation for India:

- The study covered two districts each from three central Indian states—Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha surveying 1209 households and conducting 20 Focused Group Discussions (FDGs).
Other key findings of the study are:

- Health Concerns: Prolonged exposure to coal mining pollutants has resulted in widespread respiratory and skin diseases among the local populations. At least 75% of participants in Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) reported issues such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, and various skin conditions.
- Economic Impact/ Economic Dependency on Coal: The phasing down of coal is expected to result in significant job losses and economic downturns in coal-dependent regions. This will not only impact the coal miners and workers directly but also the broader local economy.
- Caste-Based Inequities: Access to resources and opportunities is significantly skewed, with marginalized communities such as Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) being disproportionately affected.
The report identifies several challenges in achieving a just transition, including the need to upskill a largely under-educated workforce and the lack of alternative livelihoods.
It underscores the importance of community-specific policies, robust institutional mechanisms, and coordinated efforts between government bodies.
The study offers a potential framework for safeguarding the interests of these communities through:
- Alternative Livelihoods: Emphasizing the development of new economic opportunities beyond coal.
- Ecological Restoration: Promoting environmental recovery to mitigate the health impacts of coal mining.
- Inclusive Policies: Ensuring that the transition policies are inclusive and consider the needs of marginalized communities.

Present Challenges of Medical Expenses and Shift from Coal:

Health Concerns: People living closer to coal mines face higher medical expenses due to increased incidence of lung and breathing-related diseases and skin infections.
Economic concerns: The global shift away from coal is expected to result in job losses and economic downturns in coal-dependent regions, affecting both coal miners and the broader local economy.
- Economic disparities exist with varying income levels and irregular wage receipt patterns in coal-dependent districts.
- Dhanbad and Koriya, solely reliant on coal production, reported lower incomes compared to diversified industrial districts.

Way Forward:

Diversification of Local Economies: Develop alternative industries and economic activities in coal-dependent regions to reduce reliance on coal mining. Promote skill development programs to help coal workers transition to new employment opportunities in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, manufacturing, and services.
Investment in Health Infrastructure: Enhance healthcare facilities in coal mining regions to address the higher incidence of lung, and breathing-related diseases, and skin infections. Implement comprehensive health monitoring and support programs for communities living near coal mines.
Promotion of Renewable Energy: Accelerate the shift towards renewable energy sources, building on the recent trend of increased capacity addition in renewable energy. Invest in renewable energy infrastructure and create job opportunities in the renewable sector to offset job losses in coal mining.
Government and Policy Support: Implement policies and provide financial support for a ‘just transition’ to ensure that workers and communities dependent on coal mining are not left behind.
Community Engagement and Participation: Involve local communities in planning and decision-making processes related to the transition from coal.

Mains question for practice :

Q Analyse the health and socioeconomic impacts of prolonged coal mining in India, as highlighted by the National Foundation for India’s survey. 10M

Mains PYQ:

Q In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for Development”. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2017)

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