Rat hole mining – Boon for some, Bane for others! 😌
#UPSC has asked questions on this in Prelims
Know all about Rat hole mining that was used to rescue workers from the #Uttarkashi tunnel and how it is a problem in Meghalaya and some North-eastern states of India
🚨 Rat hole mining is a primitive and hazardous method of mining for coal, prevalent especially in the northeastern states of India, notably Meghalaya.
This technique involves digging small, vertical pits to reach the mineral seams, followed by excavating narrow, horizontal tunnels to extract the coal. These tunnels are typically just wide enough for a person or a “rat hole,” hence the name.
⛏️Practice in Meghalaya and North Eastern States:
In Meghalaya and other northeastern states, rat hole mining is often carried out illegally and without proper regulations. The topography of these regions, with their rich coal deposits in the Jaintia Hills and other areas, lends itself to this form of mining. Due to the small size of the tunnels, this work is often carried out by children and adolescents, leading to significant human rights concerns.
🚨Human and Environmental Risks:
1. Human Risks: The most significant human risk is the safety of the miners. These mines lack safety measures, leading to frequent accidents, collapses, and deaths. The cramped working conditions also pose severe health risks, including respiratory problems.
2.Environmental Risks: Rat hole mining severely impacts the environment. It leads to the contamination of water sources due to the discharge of toxic chemicals from the mines. The destruction of landscapes, loss of biodiversity, and soil erosion are other critical concerns.
3. It’s also a big political issue in the state due to 6th Schedule areas and limited powers
The Indian government and the Supreme Court have taken several steps to address the issues arising from rat hole mining:
1. Ban on Rat Hole Mining:
In April 2014, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a ban on rat hole mining in Meghalaya. This decision was taken due to the unscientific and unsafe nature of this mining practice and its adverse environmental impact.
2. Regulation and Enforcement:The government has been working to enforce existing laws more strictly, particularly those related to environmental protection and labor rights.
3. Alternative Livelihoods:
Efforts are being made to provide alternative livelihoods for those dependent on rat hole mining, though this remains a significant challenge.
4. Environmental Rehabilitation:
Measures are being taken to rehabilitate areas affected by rat hole mining, although progress in this area is often slow.
