Context: In a shocking incident that lays bare the thriving illegal coal mining syndicate in Assam, around 15 workers were trapped inside a 340-feet-deep quarry in Dima Hasao district on Monday. The body of one worker has been retrieved and given the depth of water that inundated the mine, chances of survival of the trapped miners are remote. Accidental deaths in illegally operated mines are nothing new, with fatalities occurring with alarming frequency. It is only when major accidents occur that things come into the public domain. Workers in illegal mines extract coal under the most hazardous conditions and without any protective measures. The thriving syndicate of illegal coal mining has also been a major factor behind biodiversity loss and severe damage to waterbodies, cropland and human health.
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Key points
· Overview: An investigation into the accident is underway, as the mine is under prima facie, given that illegal mining, including rat-hole mining, has been going on under the very eyes of the government authorities for years.
·Illegal Coal Mining in India: Illegal coal mining has led to multiple fatalities, including recent incidents in Gujarat, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, highlighting its prevalence and dangers. There are 10 workers who have died in illegal mining incidents in Gujarat alone this year, showcasing the ongoing risks associated with this activity. Illegal mining is often conducted in abandoned mines or shallow coal seams, particularly in remote areas, where monitoring and enforcement of regulations are weak.
· Legal Frameworks Governing Coal Mining in India:
Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973 - This act nationalized coal mining in India, regulating who can mine coal and under what conditions.
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) - This central legislation governs the mining sector, detailing processes for acquiring mining licenses and regulating mining activities. It empowers state governments to frame rules to prevent illegal mining.
· Factors responsible for Illegal Coal Mining:
High Demand for Coal - With coal accounting for 55% of India’s energy needs, the high demand often exceeds legal supply leading to illegal mining activities.
Weak Regulatory Enforcement - Inadequate monitoring and enforcement of mining regulations in remote areas allow illegal mining operations to flourish.
Political Patronage - Allegations of political leaders’ involvement in illegal mining operations complicate efforts to curb these activities, as seen in various states.
Poverty and Unemployment - Many coal-rich areas are home to impoverished populations who resort to illegal mining as a source of livelihood due to limited job opportunities.
· Risks Workers Face:
Lack of Safety Equipment - Workers often operate without helmets, masks, or other protective gear, significantly increasing their risk of injury or death.
Hazardous Working Conditions - Illegal mines are typically unregulated, lacking proper structural support, making them vulnerable to cave-ins, landslides, and explosions.
Toxic Gas Exposure - Miners are at risk of asphyxiation from inhaling toxic gases like carbon monoxide, as evidenced by recent fatalities in Gujarat.
·Conclusion: Need to implement advanced surveillance technologies, such as drones and satellite imaging, to monitor and detect illegal mining activities in real-time. This can improve the efficiency of enforcement agencies in identifying and responding to illegal operations swiftly.
