Syllabus: GS2/Governance, GS3/Environment
Context
- A committee constituted under Justice (retired) B.P. Katakey has criticised the Meghalaya government for delays in implementing a comprehensive mine closure policy and in addressing illegal rat-hole coal mining in the state.
Background
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned the practice of rat-hole coal mining in 2014, as it causes environmental degradation and is a threat to the lives of miners.
- The Meghalaya High Court appointed a single-member committee under Justice Brojendra Prasad Katakey in 2022 to recommend measures to the state government in compliance with the directions issued by NGT.
Key Issues Highlighted by the Committee
- Delay in mine closure policy: Meghalaya has yet to adopt a comprehensive policy for closing and restoring abandoned and illegally operated coal mines.
- Many open mine shafts remain unfenced and uncovered, posing risks to humans and livestock.
- Large number of abandoned mines: According to the Jaintia Coal Mines Owners and Dealers’ Association, there are about 60,000 mines spread across 360 villages in the East Jaintia Hills district alone. Most of these are abandoned but left uncovered.
- Inadequate restoration planning: The Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited prepared detailed project reports (DPRs) for two pilot restoration projects — One at Sutnga in East Jaintia Hills (₹63 lakh) and the other at Arenggtim in the South Garo Hills district (₹92.78 lakh).
- However, the proposals remain pending before the NGT-constituted Oversight Committee.
- Weak regulation of coal-based industries: The panel identified gaps in scrutiny of coke oven plants, which depend heavily on coal.
What is Rat-Hole Mining?
- The term “rat hole” refers to the narrow pits (3-4 feet high) dug into the ground, typically just large enough for one person to descend and extract coal.
- Once the pits are dug, miners descend using ropes or bamboo ladders to reach the coal seams.
- The coal is then manually extracted using primitive tools such as pickaxes, shovels, and baskets.
Concerns of Rat hole mining
- Safety Concerns: Rat hole mining is often carried out in very small and unstable tunnels, lacking safety measures such as proper ventilation, structural support, or safety gear for the workers.
- In 2018, around 15 rat hole miners died inside a coal mine in the East Jaintia Hills district in Meghalaya.
- Environmental issues: The mining process can cause land degradation, deforestation, and water pollution.
- Rat-hole mining in Meghalaya had caused the water in the Kopili river (flows through Meghalaya and Assam) to turn acidic.
- Loss of lives: This method of mining has faced severe criticism due to its hazardous working conditions and numerous accidents leading to injuries and fatalities.
- Child labour: Due to the small size of the tunnels, children are employed in the mines as they can crawl through these cramped spaces on their knees.
Reasons for the persistence of rat hole mining
- Lack of Alternative Livelihood: In some areas, there are limited alternative employment opportunities. Hence, it is difficult for miners to transition to other professions.
- Lack of political will: For many regions, rat hole mining is the main source of revenue. Thus authorities do not take strict action to regulate the practice.
- Poverty: Economic challenges and poverty drive individuals to engage in rat hole mining as a means of survival.
- Economic Viability: No other method would be economically viable in Meghalaya, where the coal seam is extremely thin. Removal of rocks from the hilly terrain and putting up pillars inside the mine to prevent collapse would be costlier.
Steps taken by the government to curb illegal coal mining
- The Government of India has launched one mobile app namely “Khanan Prahari” and one web app, Coal Mine Surveillance and Management System (CMSMS) for reporting unauthorized coal mining activities so that monitoring and taking suitable action on it can be done by concerned Law & Order enforcing authority.
- A committee/task force has been constituted at different levels (block level, sub-divisional level, district level, and state level) in some subsidiaries of Coal India Limited to monitor different aspects of illegal mining.
- Move towards scientific coal mining: Meghalaya has transitioned to regulated and scientifically managed coal mining under applicable mining and environmental regulations.
- The first officially permitted coal mines under the new framework began production in 2025.
Way Ahead
- Community Engagement: Engage with local communities to raise awareness about the risks and consequences of illegal mining and to gain their support in combating it.
- Economic Development: Providing alternative livelihood opportunities and economic development initiatives in mining-dependent regions to reduce reliance on illegal mining.
- Improved Monitoring: Utilise advanced technologies for monitoring mining activities and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Source: TH
