GS Question

Illegal mining, also known as artisanal mining or small-scale mining, refers to the mining activities conducted without proper licenses, permits, or compliance with environmental regulations. The consequences of illegal mining are numerous and can have significant impacts on both the environment and local communities. Some of the key consequences are as follows:

1. Environmental degradation: Illegal mining often involves the use of rudimentary techniques and equipment that result in extensive damage to ecosystems. It often leads to deforestation, soil erosion, habitat destruction, and pollution of water bodies. The use of mercury and other toxic substances in mining can contaminate soil and water, impacting the overall biodiversity of the area.

2. Water pollution: Illegal mining operations frequently discharge untreated effluents into nearby rivers and streams, contaminating water sources for both humans and wildlife. The pollution caused by illegal mining can render water unsuitable for drinking, irrigation, and other essential purposes, leading to health issues and devastation of aquatic life.

3. Loss of livelihoods: Illegal mining can severely affect local communities. It can lead to the displacement of indigenous populations, disrupt traditional livelihoods such as farming and fishing, and increase social and economic inequalities. Additionally, the lack of proper regulations and safety standards in illegal mining can result in accidents and harm the lives and well-being of miners.

4. Revenue loss: Governments lose significant revenue due to illegal mining, as taxes and royalties are not paid. This loss of revenue hampers the development of infrastructure and social welfare programs that could benefit the affected communities.

To address the issue of unregulated coal mining, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) in India introduced the concept of GO (Greenfield Open) and NO GO (Areas where mining is not allowed) zones. The objective was to identify areas with high environmental importance or where mining could cause severe ecological damage and designate them as NO GO zones.

The categorization of areas is done based on ecological parameters, forest cover, wildlife habitat, and other environmental considerations. Areas falling under NO GO zones are kept off-limits for coal mining, ensuring the protection of natural resources and biodiversity. The concept helps regulate the coal mining sector by restricting certain areas while providing clarity on where mining activities can be undertaken with proper environmental assessments and safeguards.

However, the implementation of GO and NO GO zones has faced challenges, particularly regarding the identification and classification of areas. Balancing economic growth with environmental protection is a complex task, and there have been debates regarding the inclusion or exclusion of certain areas based on various factors. Striking the right balance between mining requirements and environmental concerns remains a constant challenge for the Ministry and stakeholders involved.