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CHAPTERV COAL MINING IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT 5.1 INTRODUCTION In this chapter we \\'ill discuss the impacts of coal mining on the physical and socio- economic environment of the Raniganj coal belt broadly. In addition, we will outline the adverse effects of mine fires on the physical environment of the region. Thus, in a nutshell, the chapter describes the effects of coal mining in the Raniganj region. The chapter is based primarily on field surveys, done over a period of two years, supplemented by secondary data wherever available as well as reports of Pollution Control Board (PCB), Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) and Coal Mines Planning and Design Limited (CMPDIL). Mining is an extractive industry that creates pits and scars, and leaves the land degraded in the process of wining natural resources from the land. Fossil fuels like coal takes millions of years to form through exceedingly slow geological processes. Mining leads to their consumption at an alarming rate. Both mining and agriculture are primary activities. As mining yields quicker returns, agriculture always loses in competition wherever extractable resources occur. Therefore, in mining areas, landuse rapidly gives way from forestry-agriculture to mining and associated linkages, wan:houses, colonies for workers, subsidence-prone areas, dumping grounds for tailings and removed overburden, and if not any of these, then just derelict land where nothing grows, topsoil is gradually eroded and the land is left barren and fallow (Dhar and Thakur, 1995). The most remarkable environmental changes in the Raniganj coalbelt have been the removal of the: tropical deciduous forest cover and changes in surface runoff and ground water levels. The negative impacts have been a direct result of the intensification of mining (Sengupta, 1990). However, the greatest environmental impact of mining has been on the land itself. This has occurred in many ways, both through open cast and underground mining. Mining has degraded the land not only by denuding it of its forest cover, and choking up the natural drainage lines, but has also destroyed the agricultural potential of this slightly undulating land by various non-agricultural uses, by leaving it fallow for ye:ars, by dumping sand meant for stowing the abandoned collieries, by
Transcript
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CHAPTERV

COAL MINING IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT

5.1 INTRODUCTION

In this chapter we \\'ill discuss the impacts of coal mining on the physical and socio­

economic environment of the Raniganj coal belt broadly. In addition, we will outline the

adverse effects of mine fires on the physical environment of the region. Thus, in a

nutshell, the chapter describes the effects of coal mining in the Raniganj region. The

chapter is based primarily on field surveys, done over a period of two years,

supplemented by secondary data wherever available as well as reports of Pollution

Control Board (PCB), Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) and Coal Mines Planning and

Design Limited (CMPDIL).

Mining is an extractive industry that creates pits and scars, and leaves the land degraded

in the process of wining natural resources from the land. Fossil fuels like coal takes

millions of years to form through exceedingly slow geological processes. Mining leads to

their consumption at an alarming rate. Both mining and agriculture are primary activities.

As mining yields quicker returns, agriculture always loses in competition wherever

extractable resources occur. Therefore, in mining areas, landuse patt(~m rapidly gives way

from forestry-agriculture to mining and associated linkages, wan:houses, colonies for

workers, subsidence-prone areas, dumping grounds for tailings and removed overburden,

and if not any of these, then just derelict land where nothing grows, topsoil is gradually

eroded and the land is left barren and fallow (Dhar and Thakur, 1995).

The most remarkable environmental changes in the Raniganj coalbelt have been the

removal of the: tropical deciduous forest cover and changes in surface runoff and ground

water levels. The negative impacts have been a direct result of the intensification of

mining (Sengupta, 1990). However, the greatest environmental impact of mining has been

on the land itself. This has occurred in many ways, both through open cast and

underground mining. Mining has degraded the land not only by denuding it of its forest

cover, and choking up the natural drainage lines, but has also destroyed the agricultural

potential of this slightly undulating land by various non-agricultural uses, by leaving it

fallow for ye:ars, by dumping sand meant for stowing the abandoned collieries, by

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lowering the groundwater table, and by scorching the land through both surface and

subsurface mine fires some of which has been raging for years.

Mining in the Raniganj region is carried on both by open cast and underground

techniques. There are both mechanized and manual type collieries, but the general trend is

towards greater mechanization of mining operations. The impacts of coal mining depend

on both the nature of operation (level of technological input) and the type of operation

(underground/open cast). Speaking generally, the smaller size of min::!s in low-technology

operations implies a lower impact on local environment. There is also the issue of

abandoned mines where methane migration, groundwater contamination, flooding and

land rehabilitation pose enormous problems. Above all, there is the issue of underground

(workplace) environment including issues of ventilation, pollutant dispersal, temperature and

humidity etc, affecting directly the safety and well being of a large number of workers.

Economic progress of the Nation depends on proper preservation and extraction of natural

resources on that country. We know coal is daily consuming resource, so it is necessary to

develop coal industries to industrialization and economic development in the countries.

The development of coal mine industries was great impact on the environment, likely,

pollution, ecosystem degradation and adverse social and economic ,effects on rural life

etc. with extraction of coal mine, land, water, air and human settlem€!nts are suffering in

large scale in mining regions.

Recently, it is ft::lt that environment conservation and ecosystem preservation should be

maintained after and before mining. But in practical indifferent attitude and negligency of

mining management have created source problems among the local rural peoples. Both sides

are affected due to mismanagement. About 215 year ago, Raniganj coalbelt developed

commercially first. The Raniganj coalbelt has been affected largely due to long time

excavation. For tllis reason environment pollution and degradation are in~creasing rapidly.

5.1.1 Location of collieries

There was some limited coal industries in the Raniganj coalbelt in 1970. Importance

collieries are Agara, Raghunathchak, Nimcha, Jemari, Satgram, Mangalpur, Jorejouarni,

Bashra, Charanpur, Choukidanga, Dhosur, Kasturia, Bobisoul, Ninga, Damulia, Barabani,

Raghunathbati, Chinakuri, Damodarkunda, and Chance etc. Coal excavation was not

started in Ruchlpur, Niamatpur, Dishergarh, Sitarampur, and Sanctoria.

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5.1.2 Area wise collieries in ECL

There are thirteen-area office and I 09 collieries under ECL (table-5 .I, figure-5.1 ). Area

wise collieries are given in table-5.2. The Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) has recently

regrouped its colliery areas through the introduction of a two tier sy~.tem. This was done

with the active help of the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited

(CMPDIL). According to this classification the entire region under the ECL was divided

into three divisions: P & P (Project and Planning), 0 P (Organised Planning) and

Rajmahal, which is in Bihar. Only P & P and 0 P (organized planning,) division is beyond

the purview of our present study. There are eight areas under P & P division and five

areas under 0 P within our study region, thus making a total of thirteen.

Of the total 128 mines under ECL, the RCB comprise-s113 mines. Ofth~e 92 are underground

whereas 21 are opencast. Some important collieries have been given in the figure-5.2.

The distribution of underground and opencast mines in different areas is given table-5.3.

Production of coal (table-5.4), overall production (table-5.5), overall manpower (table-5.6)

and female employee strength (table-5.7) have been given gradually.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7. 8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

TABLE 5.1: Mines in the Raniganj coalbelt

Area UG

Pandaveswar 9

Bankola 8

Kunustoria 10

Kenda 8

Jhanjra 3

Kajora 10

Sat gram 11

Sonepur

Sri pur 10

Sitararnpur 6

Sodepur 9

Salanpur 7

Khottadi 1

92

OCP Total

2 11

1 9

2 12

1 9

3

2 12

2 13

1 1

10

6

9

6 13

1

17 109

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16o15Q'£

"

MINING AREAS : 1. Satanpur 7. Kenda 2. Sodpur 8. Kajofa 3. Srtarampur 9. Ban~ola 4. Sfipur 10. Pandaveswar 5. Satgram 11. Sonepur

po 6. Kunustofia 12. Jhanjfa 30'N

I6°ISO'E 17°10'E

0

FIGURE- 5.1 87° 110'E 87°120'£

AREA WISE DISTRIBUTION OF MINES iHE RANIGANJ COALBELT

5 10km.

87°110'E

TYPE OF MINES ~Open Cast

CJ Under Ground

"' Jl

Bll'N

230

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23° -O'N

23° 3o·N

FIGURE· 5.2

~ Gourandlh Salanpur

~ Collieries

88°150'E

~ ~ Domahani

~ Jamuria Sri pur

Haripur~ ~ Tapas~ Khottadlh ~ ~ ~ Shyamsundarpu

astDU.mcha~ ~ Jemari Jambad Ranlganj

0 5 10 km.

87°1 O'E 87° 110'E

'J

23° 3

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TABLE 5.2: Distribution collieries under area, The Raniga111j coalbelt

SL Area/Min,e Sl. Area/Mine

KAJORA AREA 62. Mahabir

I. Madhupur 63. N. Searsole

2. Madhusudanpur 64. Kunustoria

3. Nabakajora 65. Bansra

4. Madhabpur 66. Topsi

5. Porascole 67. Belbaid

6. Jam bad 68 Parasea6 & 7

7. Khas Kajora 69. Parasea

8. Lac hi pur 70. BansraOCP

9. Ghanashyam 71. ParaseaOCP

10. Central Kajora SRIPUR

11. Jam bad 72. Ghusick

SATGRAM AREA 73. Ningah

12. Kalidaspur 74. S.S. Incline

13. J.K. Nagar 75. Jam uri a

14. Satgram 76. Sri pur

15. Ratibati 77. K.D. Incline:

16. Chapui Khas 78. Adjoy-11

17. Mithapur 79. Bhanora

18. Nimcha 80. Kalipahari

19. Jemehari 81. Damra

20. Pure Searsole SITARAMPUR

21. Tirath 82. Mithani

22. Kuardih 83. Bejdih

23. Ardragram OCP 84. Dhemomain

24. Seetaldasji OCP 85. Narsamuda PANDAVESWAR 86. B.C. Inclim!

25. Madaipur 87. Paimohana

26. Maderboni SODEPUit AREA

27. Nutandanga 88. Sodepur

28. Pandaveswar 89. Mouthdih

29. Dalurband 90. Perbelia

30. Kendra 91. Dubeswari

31. Samla 92. Chinak.uri -- I

32. South Samla 93. Chinakuri -- II

33. Khottadih 94. Chinak.uri -- III

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SL Area/Mine· Sl. Area/Mine

34. Kankartala 95. Rani pur

35. Dalurband OCP 96. Poidih

36. Palasthali OCP SALANPUR

37. Gangaramchak OCP 97. Dabor

BANKOLA AREA 98. Sangramgarh

38. Moira 99. Begunia

39. Khandra 100. Khoirbad

40. Bankola 101. Mondharbahal

41. Shyamsundarpur 101. Barmondia

42. KumardihiA 102. Chakballavpur

43. Kumardihi B 103. Sangramgarh OCP

44. Tilaboni 104. Gourandih OCP

45. Shankerpur 105. Bonjemehari OCP

46. Shankerpur OCP 106. Mohanpur OCP JHANJHRA AREA 107. BalmiyaOCP

47. Jhanjhra 1 & 2 NIRSHA

48. Jhanjhra 3 & 4 108. Gopinathpur

49. Nakrakonds 109. Hariazam

50. MIC 110. Badjna

KENDAAREA Ill. Chapapur

51. NewKenda 112. Sham pur

52. Babula KAPASARA

53. LowerKenda 113. Khoodia

54. Haripur 114. Lakhimata

55. Chora 115. Mandman

56. Chora Incline 116. Kapasara

57. Siduli 117. Kumardhubi

58. C.L. Jambad 118. Sharnpur B

59. ChoraOCP 119. KhoodiaOCP

KUNUSTORIA 120. Nirsha OCP

60. Amritnagar 121. Barmuri OCP

61. Amrasota 122. RajpuraOCP Source: CMPDIL

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TABLE 5.3: Distribution of collieries in different areas of ECL, R2miganj coalbelt

Mines Division Area

UG OCP Total

P&P Pandaveswar

(Project and Khottadih 10 2 12

planning)

Bankola 8 9

Kunustoria 10 2 12

Kenda 8 1 9

Jhanjra 3 3

Kajora 10 2 12

Sat gram 11 2 13

60 10 70

OP Sonepur 1

Sri pur 10 10

Sitarampur 6 4 10

Sodepur 9 9

Salanpur 7 6 13

32 11 43

GRAND TOTAL 92 21 113

Source: CMPDIL

TABLE 5.4: Production of coal (million tones)

Company 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 P~98-99 1999-00

ECL 24.85 27.80 29.65 27.44 27.16 25.12

BCCL 28.75 27.81 27.14 30.92 27.18 28.01

CCL 31.20 30.75 32.18 33.20 32.18 32.40

NCL 32.50 35.20 37.01 37.12 36.52 38.43

WCL 27.24 29.01 31.23 32.51 31.75 33.86

SECL 50.00 53.17 55.30 56.63 .57.56 58.75

MCL 27.33 32.70 37.37 42.17 43.51 43.55

NEC 1.19 0.82 0.75 0.69 0.64 0.572

CIL Total 22:3.06 237.26 250.62 260.68 256.49 260.69

Source: CIL

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TABLE 5.5: Overaii UGiOCP production (in million tones)

1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 Company

UG OCP Overall UG OCP Overall UG OCP Overall UG OCP Overall UG OCP Overall

ECL 13.71 14.09 27.80 13.88 15.77 29.65 12.66 14.78 27.44 12.94 14.22 27.16 11.91 13.21 25.12

BCCL 10.10 17.69 27.79 10.04 17.09 27.13 10.18 20.74 30.92 9.74 17.43 27.17 9.87 18.14 28.01

CCL 3.89 26.87 30.76 3.52 28.66 32.18 3.32 29.88 33.20 3.09 29.08 32.17 3.02 29.39 32.40

NCL - 35.20 35.20 - 37.01 37.01 - 37.12 37.12 - 36.52 36.52 - 38.43 38.43

WCL 9.63 19.38 29.01 9.86 21.37 31.23 9.95 22.56 32.51 9.70 22.05 31.75 9.75 24.11 33.86

SECL 15.31 37.86 53.17 15.80 39.50 55.30 15.87 40.76 56.63 16.00 41.56 57.56 16.01 42.11 58.75

MCL 1.88 30.82 32.70 1.81 35.56 37.37 1.80 40.37 42.17 1.66 41.85 43.51 1.65 42.74 43.55

NEC 0.30 0.52 0.82 0.28 0.28 0.75 0.20 0.49 0.69 0.18 0.46 0.64 0.20 41.90 0.57

Overall 54.82 182.43 237.25 55.19 195.43 250.62 53.98 206.70 260.68 53.31 203.17 256.48 52.40 0.37 260.69 CIL - Source: CIL

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TABLE 5.6: Overall manpower

01.12.00 01.04.00 01.04.99 01.04.98 01.04.97 01.04.96 ECL 129177 133383 142746 153154 I5825I I6I675

BCCL Il5758 119978 127220 135535 142436 147439

CCL 79016 80916 84993 88122 91649 92816

WCL 78413 80228 83156 84787 84805 84857

SECL 96277 97370 98105 98784 98966 99028

MCL 22610 22859 22983 23391 23427 22983

NCL 17191 I 7242 17193 17152 I6990 16661

NEC 4130 4290 4560 4716 4779 4826

CMPDI 3639 3667 3747 3831 3900 3982

DCC 680 687 696 707 712 701

CIL (HQ) 1422 1451 1483 1510 1548 1567

TOTAL 548313 562071 586882 611689 627463 636535

Source: CIL

TABLE 5.7: Female employee strength

Company OJA.OO 01.4.99 01.4.98 01.4.97 01.4.96 01.4.95 01.4.94

ECL 9360 9603 3781 9811 9864 I I 873 12462

BCCL 9813 10682 11163 11322 11893 14083 14279

CCL 6034 6282 6892 7700 7689 9196 14279

WCL 3573 3647 3626 3537 3394 3436 3619

SECL 3221 3168 3030 2903 2752 3002 3010

MCL 856 844 791 763 731 662 609

NCL 390 415 389 388 360 353 325

NEC 291 295 308 296 263 256 235

CMPDI 138 140 140 137 130 131 133

DCC 22 21 21 20 20 20 22

CIL (HQ) 175 176 175 172 171 116 114

TOTAL 33873 35273 36316 37049 37267 43128 44123

Source: CIL

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5.1.3 Backgroltlnd of labour group

i) First local 'Bouria' peoples engaged in coal mining activities in the RCB.

ii) Santa! engaged in mining leaving their agriculture.

iii) Other peoples came from Bihar, like 'Rajoyara', 'Bhuriya', 'Domra'. From Uttar

Pradesh 'Lodhara', 'Pasisora' came to work in the RCB.

But most of the labours were 'Bourie' and sandals. According 'Labour Commission' (1896)

the labour status in the Raniganj coalbelt are given below:

Male Female Children Total

35,364 14,659 3,187 53,210

Source: Labour movement in India

Number of collieries and labours in 1891-1894 in the Raniganj Asansol Coalbelt are given in table-5.8.

TABLE 5.8: Collieries with manpower

Year No. of Male Female Children Total collieries

1891 77 15,214 7,021 2,599 24,834

1892 76 18,440 8,355 2,700 29,495

1893 82 17,578 7,698 2,177 27,453

1894 194 19,616 8,538 2,419 30,773

Source: Labour Movement in India: Documents: 1850-1890.

5.1.4 Mode of quarries in the Raniganj coalbelt

There are two types of mining quarries are open cast project (OCP) and UG (underground).

OCP is more beneficial compare to UG in respect of cost production. But number of OCP is

less than UG in the RCB.

5.1.5 Problem due to open cast and UG mining

Various environmental problems associated with open cast and underground mining

enumerated below:

a) Environmental problems due to open cast mining

• Most of the collieries in ECL are suffering more or less from these problems.

Among them, Salanpur, Bonjumari, Jamuria, Dishergarh, Sripur, Tapasi,

Amriltnagar, East Nimcha, Jemari, Jambad, Khottadih, Kenda are very important.

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• Aesthetic damage to landscape due to deforestation, abandoned mme site and

unplanned dumping of waste materials.

• Damage to land by the deep scar of opencast mmes, and dumping of mine

materials.

• Hydrologic changes in surface water system and subsequent lowering of ground

water level.

• Water pollution and siltation of drainage system due to loose materials from fresh

dumps.

• Noise pollution due to blasting, drilling and nearby movement of heavy

machinery.

• Air pollution due to CO, S02, NOx and particulate materials.

b) Environmen~al problems due to underground mining

• Surface subsidence due to extraction of coal and wastes from subsurface.

• Loss of vegetation cover and associated soil erosion in mining site, mine dumps

roads, ancillary installations and mining colonies.

• Changes in landscape due to dumping of coal and waste materials.

• Noise: pollution associated with blasting, drilling etc.

• Water pollution due to contamination of various impurities particularly trace and

toxic metals.

• Disturbance in the status of surface and subsurface water region.

• Problt~m of dust arising out of drilling, extraction, dumping and loading of coal.

• Incidence of occupational diseases like pneumoconiosis, silicosis, dermatitis,

anemia, ankylostomiasis, hookwormgout arising out of environment and other

conditions prevailing in underground mining.

• Generation of obnoxious and other poisonous gases sometime due to coal seam fire.

• Human discomfort due to thermal stress.

c) Environmental problems associated with surface coal handling ~und transport

• Dust production due to operation of dumpers and other means.

• Noise and vibration effects.

d) Environmental problems caused by mine fires

• Air pollution

• Thermal pollution

• Subsidence

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The adverse effect of open caste mining on the environment depends its mining shape size,

depth, production rate of production quality and chemical properties of extracted materials

like coal and others, geographical location and local plant and animal, social and political

condition, geological structure, climate and wastage material (solid, liquid and gaseous) and

their control etc.

Open caste mining is became popular method last 30 years because coal can be extracted

easily in short time. About 90 per cent coal extracted from underground mines and only ten

per cent extracted from open caste mining in the RCB before coalmine nationalization. After

nationalization opencast mining more popular and coal extracted more in this method. Coal

extracted to digging the surface soil with blasting 45 per cent coal production come out from

OCP in 1988-"89. The overburden materials dumped with 20 and 40 meters depths. The

overburden estimation are given below:

Year

1974-75

1984-85

1990-91

1999-2000

Wastage quantity

11 lakhs 87 thousand cubicmetn::s

1 crore 32 lakhs 30 thousand cubicmetres

2 crores 4 lakhs cubicmetres

2 crores 80 lakhs cubicmetres

Overburden height many increased 60-90 nrn.

The open cast mining was only five at the time of nationalization. It increased and now 45.

The annual increasing of open cast mining are given below:

Year Number of OCP

1973-74 5

1976-77 10

1979-80 12

1980-81 13

1981-82 25

1984-85 28

1986-87 36

1988-89 39

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Coal production has increased with the increasing opencast mining. 1be coal production was

21.4 lakhs tones in 1974-75 and it increased gradually and it 23 7 lakhs tones in last 1999-

2000. The annual increasing coal production are given below:

Year Production in tones from OCP 1974-75 21.4 1976-77 35.9 1980-81 51.2 1982-83 61.2 1985-86 77.1 1986-87 92.2 1987-88 121.5 1988-89 137.3

The damaged land in the RCB is nearly 136 square kilometres in 2000 century.

Dr. A.K. Ghosh has been expressed his opinion on GSI report in 1988, the 'Report on

Ecological Perspective of Raniganj Coalfields' that 60 square kilometres land has been

damaged due to mining activities in the last 200 years. That means the average damage rate

is 0.003 square kilometres per year. The total damaged land is 10 square kilometres in 13

years from 1988-·1989. That means about 30 times more from average damaged rate. Most of

the mining land, which have damaged and occupied, by ECL was the agricultural land and

cultivable land area. Most of the economic land has been excaved by the mining authority.

All kind of reports described that the total damaged land in the RCB is only 60 square

kilometres up to 1988. It is a statistical report but in practical land may be damaged more

indirectly. The main causes behind the direct land loosing and damaging are below:

(i) coal fire, (ii) open cast . mining, (iii) underground mining and subsidence.

The 'Study Report on Advance Environmental Planning for Raniganj Coalfields' described

about land distribution on October in 1988. The report has given a clear idea about how

much land will occupy and will damage for mining activities within 2000. It is clear from the

above report that ECL has taken 640 square kilometres in lease. Near about 60 square

kilometres land have been damaged, and urban area, road network, rail line and many other

industries have been occupied about 200 square kilometres land in the last 200 years. All

have happened due to excessive mining activities entire the Raniganj coalbelt.

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ECL collieries need the expecting land requirement up to 2000 is given below:

(i) For new underground projects 8,000 hectares

(ii) For new open caste projects 8,000 hectares

(iii) Urbanization and structural

Construction total

3,000 hectares

19,000 hectares

It is expected that the total land will damage due to mining activities up to 2000 is given below:

(i) damaged due to open caste mining 8,000 hectares

(ii) Damaged due to land subsidence 5,582 hectares

Total 13,582 hectares

Remote sensing essential deals with mapping of surface features, and so the above described

parameters are possible to be studies directly or indirectly from Landusellandcover mapping

of an area and their changing status over time provides basis to monitor them. Such study

helps in assessing the overall degradation in- environment due to mining in a coal belt area.

Commonly, the impacts of coal mining are divided into two categories mainly: physical

impacts and socio-economic impacts according environmental problems occurred on the

basis of modes of occurrence of mining.

5.2 PHYSICAL IMPACTS

The roots of many environmental problems were sown during the early days of mining;

Raniganj region being the foremost coal-producing region of the country also ranked high in

the list of environmentally degraded areas.

In the initial stages coal mining was carried out at shallow depths; the deepest pit was only

67.5 metres. These pits were excavated at an interval of a few hundred metres and open cast

mining was done below the groundwater table. The practice was to abandon the mine after

extracting coal at shallow depths in small leaseholds. Many of these old mines were not filled

up properly a:fi:er extraction of coal was over, and there is no evidence such as map showing

the undergroumd voids. Therefore, it is hard to say exactly how many abandoned

underground mines exist in the region. Open cast mines are visible on the surface and in the

Raniganj area, there are now 223 abandoned open cast mines, with their associated

overburden and spoil dumps.

78

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We can put tht~ physical impacts of coal mining in the Raniganj region in several categories:

• Land subsidence;

• Land degradation and dereliction;

• Impacts on river morphology and sand quarrying;

• Change:s in water resources

• Lowering of water quality:

• Pollution

• Changes in forest cover:

• Loss of agricultural land: and

• Mine fires

5.2.1 Land subsidence

The Director General of Mines Safety (DGMS) has declared 361 hectares of land in the

region as 'unsafe ' due to land subsidence. These areas include the towns of Kulti-Barakar,

Jamuria Market area, Raniganj town and Behula Bazaar with 17 other villages and a few

Santhal bustees. In fact, the entire stretch of land between Ondal and Barakar townships are

in danger of subsidence. The total volume of the known voids about 26.82 million cubic

metres, stretching over nearly 50 square kilometres of land. The estimated damages resulting

from this subsidence are presented below:

No. of subsidence

49

Total/and affected (sq. km)

40.83

Population affected

128,100

Source: Apex Monitoring Committee and CMPDIL, 1992

Estimated reserve (metric tonnes)

443 million

The problem of subsidence in any coal mining area is embedded in the method of coal

extraction itself The extraction of coal from underground seams leads to the creation of

voids. Subsidenee is in fact a form of crustal adjustment in which the ground above the void

caves in to create a new equilibrium. If such a surface is built up or cultivated, the impact of

sudden subsidence could be devastating for the economic and social life of the people.

Underground mining is usually done by the 'Board and Pillar' method in which a mesh of

tunnels or galleries are first driven into the coal seam leaving coal pillars for support. In this

'development' phase, 20-30 per cent of the coal reserve is extracted. In the final 'depillaring'

phase, the pillars are also extracted. During this phase, the surfa,~e area, if free from

habitation, is allowed to subside. In a coal mining area, the surface tends to subside if the

voids created underground by coal extraction are not filled up later on by sand. Sand is mixed

79

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with water for this purpose and the process is called sand stowing. However, many old mines

did not follow the regulations and left voids in the ground in the part. These voids have

resulted in unstable land and subsidence in the Raniganj region.

Problem of subsidence due to open cast mining: There are about 223 abandoned open cast

mines which cover nearly five square kilometres of excavated land having an underground

void of about I 00 million cubic meters. Area under subsided in different collieries are given

in table-5.9 and shows in figure-5.3.

TABLE 5.9: Area subsided in different collieri•es

Area No. of Area of subsidence in Volume of subsidence in

subsidence hector million cubic metres

Sal an pur 3 6.38 0.34

Sri pur 8 1046.92 3.84

Sat gram 14 1336.52 7.66

Kunustoria 11 399.21 3.56

Kenda 9 120.96 0.80

Kajora 13 370.31 2.60

Pandaveswar 6 49.62 0.14

Sitarampur 10 460.71 1.74

Bankola 12 538.00 4.90

Rarnnagar 2 8.62 0.47

SodeEur 7 121.16 0.56

Total 98 4481.10 26.82 Source: Feedback Report, CMPDIL.

According to a 1989 estimate by, within the total area of 1,53,000 hectares under registered

collieries in this region, there is a total area of 143 subsidence, covering a surface land of

5,095 hectares. Thus, estimates on the extent of voids vary widely.

In the Raniganj coalbelt, subsidence are particularly extensive in three clusters:

• the triangle between Barakar, Dishergarh and Asansol towns;

• between Asansol and Raniganj towns, south of the G.T. Road; and

• in and around Jamuria urban centre.

80

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88°'50'E

3' /"'\. n'V ·rc ... L/" .. _

23° 4o·N

23° 3o·N

88°!50'E

-IJ-1 .::I'

87° 1 O'E

-·~2 3 -.-.. • • • 4 ....

FIGURE- 5.3 87° 110'E 87° 120'E

SUBSIDENCE SPOTS THE RANIGANJ COALBELT

1. SALANPUR AREA 2. SRIPUR AREA 3. SATGRAM AREA 4. KUNUSTORIA AREA 5. KENDA AREA

~- ~5 , . • , .

'-./

23" &o'N

0 5 10 km. 23° 3-

87°10'E 87°110'E

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Smaller clusters are found in northern parts of Ondal police station. Pandaveswar also has

some major subsidence areas .. Apart from these, numerous smaller subsidence are found in

almost every comer of the coal belt, particularly in areas of abandoned mines (figure-5.4).

The roots of the problem of subsidence lie in the motive, techniques and agencies of mining

of both nineteen1th and early twentieth centuries. Indiscriminate and unplanned mining,

leaving very small-sized pillars, Jack of knowledge or carelessness in the techniques of sand

stowing. had characterized the private mining entrepreneurs of the Raniganj region. As a

result, there are many old, abandoned and practically unapproachable mines, lying in either

water logged or dry conditions in many parts of the coal belt. In case of water logged mines,

working of seams beneath often induce cracks which drain out the water into lower levels.

This makes the ground even more prone to subsidence (CMPDIL, 1993). Another cause of

subsidence is the ageing of pillars in old underground workings, reducing their load-bearing

capacity and leading to sudden collapse of the entire overlying part. Subsidence induces

cracks on the ground through which the breathing of oxygen often causes spontaneous

combustion whic:h spreads to both surface and underground. Subsidence also induces cracks

on the ground which leads to loss of surface water into the mined out tunnels below. In the

past, population in this region was low and generally dispersed (Hunter, 1868; Sinha, 1994).

Subsidence, therefore, were not a serious cause of concern. Now with rapid population

growth and urb<mization, the built-up area has extended over old mine workings liable to

subside at any moment. As a result, the problem of subsidence with reference to its impact on

human life has increased manifold.

Rapid growth of population and urban sprawl have occurred even over areas declared

'unsafe· by the Government of West Bengal as well as the DGMS. Moreover, many villages

declared unsafe in 1986 (CMPDIL, 1993) have come up as urban centres in 1991. Some of

them are Haripur, Kenda, Palasban, Ninga, Egara, and Shankarpur (Lahiri-Dutt, 1996).

Human responses to subsidence: Previously, the approach towards the subsidence of land

was very casual. When and if surface landuse was disrupted in cases where surface rights did

not belong to the companies, compensation was paid to the people affected. The question of

compensation did not arise in case of leasehold lands of the private mining companies and

the lands were usually allowed to subside (Government of Bengal, 1914). Even after

independence and nationalization, the policies regarding subsidence under uninhabited areas

81

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.,., .. , ,...

BU~DWAN

f._,...""\ .... WEST BENGAL 1 ,..,-.~

Y7~:7,. . (( . . ,.

'" ~'\ . ~ ·-V ;, ·"'\ .. \

•:· .. ./ I -1 (\/~·"'\

,, . ,..,.40'14 "

~- / ~w~ 'i(~~~~ \ '

~·· • 17".1 •

,.0(/

16'10"1 A

FIGURE- 5.4 17'10 ••

SUBSIDENCE PRONE AREAS AND URBANIZATION THE RANIGANJ COAL BELT

8UB810ENCE AREAS • TO 8! 8T ABILIZEO

• TO 8! !VACUA TEO ltopltths ehow level of Urbanization In 18111

I ~

il

IS' to'i

~w···· ··;·a~m, "T'jj~ ···-- • - I .~,UR

I llllAl,UR

• -9"

(I

"'

U.Muw. ',. 40';:;

6 A

N I(

~ 0 5 10 111111. A

90

..~60'1 ,,·,o'l ..

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have generally been the same. Although this kind of subsidence does not involve loss of life,

it results in disruption of cultivation by the destruction of agricultural lands. These lands

become unsuitable for all uses unless reclaimed.

As early as in 1864, Mr Thomas Oldham, the noted geologist of the Geological Survey of

India noted subsidence of extensive areas in the Raniganj coal belt. The problem of

subsidence was first viewed seriously by the Subsidence Committee in 1922 (CMPDIL,

1993) Many more committees set up from time to time recommended remedial actions for

unsafe areas by evacuation and reclamation or sand stowing. Sand stowing however, has never

been strictly adhered to even after nationalization, only limited sand stowing operations have been

done under densely populated areas (Collector's Office, 1992). The 'West Bengal Restriction for

Construction in Unsafe Areas Act' was enacted in 1979 so that constructions over subsidence prone

ground may be checked. Till date it has had only limited efficacy.

According to th~~ 1989 estimate by CMPDIL. of a total of 143 subsidence covering a surface

area of 5,095 hectares, only 99 (4,434 hectares) have been marked for reclamation by the

mining authority and the rest are to be used as water storage reservoi1rs. In their 1993 report

again, CMPDIL noted that due to subsidence and fire, even more cultivable lands would be lost

in the future, imposing high actual and social costs of rehabilitation of the people living there.

In 1985 the DGMS declared Raniganj, Barakar, Kulti, part of Asansol and Jamuria Bazar and

32 villages in this belt as 'unsafe' (CMPDIL. 1993). Again in 1986, the Prasad Committee

noted 42 unsafe residential localities as subsidence prone. They declared four towns and 31

villages as 'unsafe'. Raniganj town was one of them. This prompted the Asansol Durgapur

Development Authority to launch in 1988 a proposal for a satellite to~nship - Mangalpur - a

planned alternative for Raniganj about five kilometres to the northeast of it and away from

the subsidence zone. Work on that township has not so far progressed much.

The costs of stabilization of the subsidence prone localities have to be taken into account. An

increased number of 49 residential areas covering an area of 4.83 square kilometres were

identified as subsidence prone in 1993 by the DGMS (CMPDIL, 1993). Out of them only 20

have been marked for stabilization (given in table-5.1 0). The rest having a lower population

(given in table-5.11) have been suggested to be evacuated and rehabilitated.

82

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However, there: is still a huge gap in policies and their implementations, and the work of

stabilization as well as evacuation is proceeding very slowly. The execution of stabilization

schemes is not an easy task as plans of old workings are often not available and many of them

have become unapproachable due to water logging, roof falls and collapse of entries (CMPDlL

1991, 1992). Evacuation is also not easy as people are not at all eager to shift, and prefer to stay

in the risk-prone zones rather than face the hardships involved in shifting and resettlement.

The lists of subsidence prone areas in the Raniganj coal belt given by various authorities over

the years is not exhaustive as numerous smaller subsidence occurring in many parts of the

region go unnoticed. Further, the list includes only residential areas as potential locations of

subsidence hazards. Below non-residential areas (such as agricultural land) the ground is

usually allowed to subside. Either the land is purchased for this purpose by the mining

company directly or is leased. In some cases else compensation is paid for the damage

caused. In this approach is apparent a fragmentary vision of the question of loss. Apart from

having serious environmental implications like the disruption of drainage, fall in the

groundwater table, desiccation of soil, creation of undulations <md fire problem, this

piecemeal approach completely ignores the socio-economic impacts.

TABLE 5.10: Residential localities marked for stabilization, the Raniganj coalbelt, Burdwan district -19913

SL Name of Location SL Name of Location

1. Po las ban 11. Jamuria

2. Kenda 12. Sheebpur

3. Kumarbazar (Raniganj Town) 13. Chatimdanga

4. Porarband (Raniganj Town) 14. Kumardiha

5. Pottary Area (Raniganj Town) 15. Aldih

6. Arun Talkies (Raniganj Town) 16. Aluthia!Bharatehak

7. Gowala Basti (Raniganj Town) 17. Kendua Bazar

8. Old Egara 18. Sanctoria

9. Nandi 19. Begunia

10. Jamuria Bazar 20. Barakar Source: CMPDIL, Asansol

83

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TABLE 5.11: Residential localities considered for evacuation, the Raniganj coalbelt, Burdwan district - 1993

Sf. Name of localities Sl. Name of localities SL Name of localities

1. Shankarpur 11. Belbaid (S.B.) 21. Bonbirdi

2. Haripur 12. Bhutdoba 22. Belrui

3. S ikarpur Basti 13. Balirarnbagan 23. Balsuk Ceramics

4. Dhangarpatti 14. Jemari(S.B.) 24. Radhanagar

5. Bahula Motibazar 15. Ushagram 25. Fatepur

6. Kuldanga 16. Dhadka ReckittColman 26. Pankiary

7. H.P.G. Colony 17. Borachak 27. Seetalpur

8. Dhasala 18. Chottodhemo 28. Janakpura

9. Toposi 19. Narsamuda 29. Palasdanga

10. Hurmadanga (S.B.) 20. Raghunathbati (S.B.) 30. Santal Basti.

Source: CMPDIL, Asansol

Land damaged tfue to subsidence: Due to coal extracting void and blank places collapsed

and subsided the land. Subsidence makes some environmental problems. These are:

A. Adverse c~ffect on the surface:

(i) Cracks, voids, and slanting of settlements or buildings. (ii) change the direction of river, nala,

jhor (small drainage channel) etc., (iii) interrupted the drainage system, (iv) decrease humidity

in land and plant 1growth retarded gradually and crop production affected by it, (v) road, railway

networks effected by subsidence also, and (vi) damaged the agricultural land.

B. Adverse c~ffect below the surface

(i) lose of underground water, (ii) underground water pollution, (iii) lowering of the

underground water table, and (iv) decline the humidity on land and vegetation and crops

effected too much.

C. Damage the underground resources

(i) effect the underground pipeline, electric able line, sewage system, (ii) subsurface coal

fire, (iii) flooding in the underground, and (iv) damage the surface

D. Environmental degradation

(i) Subsidence, (iii) land upliftment, (iii) stagnant water on the surface, (iv) flooding due to

subsidence may occur in the rainy season due to subsidence, (v) negligence to the mining

village people, (vi) social and economical problems to the rural people, (vii) rehabilitation

problem etc.

84

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Measurements -- Coal mine extraction and subsidence are closely related to each other.

Research is going on little effect with coal mining development. But ECL not doing to follow

the measurement properly.

In India some committee have been established in respect of subsidence. Recently China,

Russia, France, Poland, England, Belgium, West Germany have provided new technologies

in respect of subsidence and opencast degradation to protect the local mining human life and

its environment aliso. But ECL not follow their techniques still.

We know that subsidence is a complex old historical problem in mining activities. Thousands of

people have suffered, thousand ton-es of high-grade coal destroyed due to greed and ignorance of

the coal mining owners. Before depillaring process, subsidence occurred in large scale.

Subsidence detodates the social infrastructure gradually. But ECL authority not agrees to

accept it. They are blaming the previous mining owner before nationalisation. It is true

previous techniques induces to subsidence. But presently ECL does not avoid the situation.

It is clear from the Report of 'Preliminary Investigation Report' in 1986- that subsidence is

occurring in 15 units among 13 collieries, and 4.24 square kilometres hmd subsidised. About

90 subsidence incident occurred and 9926.32 acres land damaged from 1973-1986.

To protect human resource and subsidence committees have been established accordingly.

(i) 1922 -First subsidence committee establish.

(ii) 193 7 - Second subsidence report.

(iii) 1957- Som committee report in respect of Barakar.

(iv) 1963 - NCDG report.

(v) 1964- CMRS report.

(vi) 1977- Bagchi report.

(vii) 1979- Sitararn committee report.

(viii) 1986- Prasad committee report.

Land use and landcover maps in the RCB: Landuse/landcover maps of Raniganj coalbelt

have been also compiled for three different periods viz; 1925-27, 1973-75 and 1988-89

85

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which are taken again because of the availability of Toposheets and Satellite Imagery for

these periods (according to EIA report, RRSSC, Kharagpur, 1991 ).

LanduseiLandcover map of Raniganj coalfield covering a total area of 1430 km2 in three

different periods (1925-'27, 1973-'75, 1988-'89). Information contained here are basically

from Toposheets of this period and eight landuse classes in total have been identified viz;

(i) Built-up land (ii) Fallow land (iii) Agricultural land (iv) Deciduous forest (v) Scrub land

(vi) Mining area including mine shaft and coal pit head and (vii) stony \Vastes (viii) Water bodies. The

aerial extent ofthese classes are shown in the tables-5.12, 5.13 and 5.14 and relative percentages of

individual classes are shown in the pie charts (figure-5.5, 5.6, and 5.7).

TABLE 5.12: Landusellandcover classes in Raniganj coalfi•eld (1925-27)

SL Landuse class I Theme Area in sq,. km. Percentag_e area

1. Builtup land 113 8.0

2. Fallow land 965 67.5

3. Agriculture land 110 7.7

4. Deciduous forest 60 4.2

5. Scrub land I W .L. 112 7.8

6. Mining area (Void I OC I Coal dump) 2 0.1

7. Stoney Waste I Waste dump 3 0.2

8. Water bodies (Perenial Streams onl~) 65 4.5

Totatl 1430 100 Source: RRSSC, Kharagpur.

TABLE. 5.13: Landuse/landcover classes in Raniganj coalfield (1973-75)

SL Landuse class I Theme Area in sq_. km. Percentag_e area

1. Builtup land 311 21.7

2. Fallow land 760 53.1

3. Agriculture land Nil 0.0

4. Deciduous forest 85 10.8

5. Scrub land I W.L. 155 5.9

6. Mining area (Void I OC I Coal dump) 12 1.0

7. Stoney Waste I Waste dump 4 0.3

8. Water bodies ~Perenial Streams onl~~ 103 7.2

Total 1430 100 Source: RRSSC, Kharagpur

86

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FIGURE - 5.5

LANDUSE/LANDCOVER CLASSES IN THE RANIGANJ COALFIELD (1925-27)

Source: RRSSC, Kharagpur.

D Builtup Land

• Fallow Land

D Agriculture Land

D Deciduous Forest

•scrub Land

D Mining Area

• Stoney Waste

D Water Bodies

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FIGURE - 5.6

LANDUSE/LANDCOVER CLASSES IN RANIGANJ COALFIELD (1973-75)

Builtup Land

Fallow Land

D Deciduous Forest

DScrub Land

• Mining Area

0 Stoney Waste

• Water Bodies

Source: RRSSC, Kharagpur.

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FIGURE- 5.7

LANDUSE/LANDCOVER CLASSES IN RANIGANJ COALFIELD (1988-89)

0 Builtup Land

Fallow Land

D Deciduous Forest

DScrub Land

• Mining Area

D Stoney Waste

• Water Bodies

Source: RRSSC, Kharagpur.

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TABLE 5.14: Landuse/landcover classes in Raniganj coalfield (1988-89)

SL Landuse Class I Theme Area in sq_. km. Percenta&e area

I. Builtup land 512 35.8

2. Fallow land 398 27.8

3. Agriculture land Nil 0.0

4. Deciduous forest 30 2.1

5. Scrub land I W.L. 283 20.0

6. Mining area (Void I OC I Coal dump) 67 4.7

7. Stoney Waste I Waste dump 35 2.4

8. Water bodies (Perenial Streams on!~) 105 7.3

Total 1430 100 Source: RRSSC, Kharagpur

We used the Survey of India (SOl) topographical sheets surveyed in 1971-'72 as base data

and superimposed IRS-1 C LISS III data of 1996 on it to visuality examine the current

landausllandcover pattern. In addition, we used ground checks in several field areas (Figure-

5.8).0Jives us a visual representation of land use changes in the region.

The following table-5.15 gives an idea of the landusellandcover characteristics ofthe region

in 1996.

TABLE 5.15: The Landuse/landcover characteristics of the Ranigan'j coalbelt, 1996

Typeofland

1. Forest (a) Dense forest

(b) Open forest

2.Agriculturalland (a) Crop land

3. Settlements

4. Mining operation

5. Water body

6. Waste land

7. Null class

(b) Fallow with thin grass

(c) Fallow with thick grass

(d) Orchards

Source: Visual interpretation oflRS-IC LISS Ill data.

Area in sq. km (1996)

29.44

36.38

103.08

22.32

475.00

225.59

74.43

14.70

22.52

51.92

8.46

87

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30'N

86°!50'E

FIGURE- 5.8 87° 110'E 87°

LANDUSE/LANDCOVER MAP THE RANIGANJ COALBELT

IRS-1C, LISS-111 DATA Date of Pass 26.01.96

0 5 10 km.

50'N

23°

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5.2.2 Land degradation and dereliction

Vast areas in the Raniganj coalbelt have become derelict due to abandoned and active surface

and underground mines. Of a total area of 55.5 square kilometres derelict land, about 20.0

square kilometres are occupied by the abandoned quarries and associated spoil dumps while

about 10.5 square kilometres is scarred by open cast mining. In these open cast mines, waste

materials are usually stacked as huge dumps in the immediate vicinity. These, coupled with

coal dumps, very often cause significant visual impact; large areas of forest, agricultural land,

and pasture land have been converted into colliery colonies or fallow land due to rapid

expansion of the coal mines. As a result, the land use pattern has changed considerably over the

last two and a half decades. Coal mines and ancillary activities now occupy about 175 square

kilometres, that is, four times the land of 1971-'72. The net cultivable land in the Jamuria block,

for example, has decreased from 6407.7 hectares in 1962-'63 to 5785.00 hectares; in Asansol

the change has been from 1490.00 to 1230.00; in Kulti from 4481.20 to 4314 hectares.

The extraction of coal by open cast and underground methods have created vanous

anthropogenic landforms such as mine pits, spoil tips, overburden dumps, and subsided

lands. The old abandoned quarries are usually 10--15 metres in depth and often contain water,

which is of no use to the local communities due to its poor quality.

The older spoil dumps associated with them usually extend along the quarry depressions and

range in height between 3-15 metres. The slopes of these dumps are usually stable with about

3°-10° angle. The outer surfaces of the dumps are covered with thick bushes and grass. The

recently abandoned quarries have variable dimensions and are nearly round or irregular in

shape. At places they are parallel to the strike of the coal seams. Since many of these recent

quarries were fully mechanized, they are quite deep and are in a waterlogged condition.

The spoil dumps associated with recently abandoned quarries are usually unstable in nature,

of great heights and much steeper slopes. A number of rainwater gullies have formed along

their side slopes and bring down the material during the rainy season. The rocky materials

weather rather quickly in such a dump, and several people have died due to rock fall or slump

while trying to extract coal or other material from them. In active mines too the overburden

dumps are huge and comprise unasserted material. It has been estimated (Roychowdhuri and

Roy, 1989) that approximately 200 million cum. ofwaste material is accumulated adjacent to

these mines and quarries; and given the thrust on open cast mining of recent years, nearly 87

88

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million cubic metres of waste generation per year can be visualized in this region (with an

average stripping ratio of 5 : 1 ).

The techniques of coal mining along the outcrops degrade both the valuable lands as well as

the coal deposits themselves. In some instances quarries are left abandoned after a few upper

seams are worked. Thus the future potential of mining is lost, and the region becomes unsafe

for any future mining activity. The agricultural lands are lost as these scarred and barren

lands rarely hold any possibility for cultivation. Organized commercial pisciculture in these

water-filled quanies is still in a state of speculation. The land use affected by open cast

mining in Sonepur Bazaari mine has been portrayed in the table-5.16.

TABLE 5.16: Landuse affected by mining, Sonepur Bazaari

Class of Landuse Table area in hectare Affected by mi.rting (in hector)

Agriculture 133.00 106.50

Village 3.00 1.50

Tank 5.80 5.30

Barren Land 29.60 17.60

Others 47.60 12.10

Total 219.00 12:3.00

Source: Project report for Sonepur Bazar (B) CMPDIL, February, 1992

Dereliction of land due to open cast mining: The principal operations in open cast coal

mining are drilling, blasting, loading, dumping and halving. Thes(~ operations create great

environmental problems. The drastic disturbance of overburden material severely changes

the chemical and physical properties of the resulting spoils. These altered properties often

create a hostile environment for seed germination for subsequent plant growth. As a result,

deforestation is initiated and continued in the region of open cast mining. Unless vegetative

cover is established almost immediately; the denuded areas are subject to both wind and

, . . water erosion leading to the pollution of surrounding streams with sediment. Open cast

. mining also removes the developed and mature soils, which have all the nutrients necessary

•;, to support plant life and creates a heterogeneous mass consisting of topsoil, subsoil and

. substrata rock fragments. Once the older, established vegetation is destroyed, the growth of

new plant communities becomes difficult on this infertile mass.

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Because of the quick returns available from mining, agricultural lands begin to be turned into

mining area. That is, a transformation from the agricultural-rural environment to an

industrial-urban one takes place within the rather short span of a few years. In a nutshell, the

dereliction of land due to opencast mining may be described as:

• generation of huge mine waste material dumps;

• creation of 'dark spots' on the face of the earth;

• deforestation:

• heterogeneity of different and infertile soils;

• destruction of agricultural land; and

• industrialization and urbanization leading to the creation of an extensive built up area.

Since remote sensing provides a systematic method of collecting data over a large area within

a short period in a single imagery at all time and reduces time, cost :md labour because its

analysis would be done quickly in laboratories with limited ground checks, in our present

study we have used this tool to investigate the location and extent of dereliction of land due

to opencast mining in the Raniganj coalbelt.

We have considered mouza level police station maps of 1971 census. IRS-IC-LISS-III false

colour composites (FCC) on 1:50,000 scale of 4th November 1997 was used for the study.

We have prepared a map (figure-5.9) with the help of standard visual interpretation technique

of remote sensing data along with the overlaying of the mouza-level map. We have also used

the conventional graph method of area calculation (Rao, 1995).

Out of 520 mouzas, 78 mouzas have been affected by opencast mining operation. The

derelict lands of these affected mouzas are shown in table-5.17. The total derelict land is

24.325 square kilometres. This area is about 2.5 times of the 10.5 square kilometres off

derelict land which was observed by RoyChowdhury and Roy (1989). This derelict land can

be classified into two broad categories: abandoned mines and surrotmding spoil dumps; and

active mines and surrounding spoil dumps. At present, 16 mouzas fall under active opencast

mining operations. The rest of the 78 mouzas were abandoned either recently or long ago.

The abandoned opencast mines actually appear as 'dark spots' on the surface of the mother

earth on the FCCs.

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87° 1 O'E

87°1 O'E

FIGURE- 5.9 87° 110'E

DERELICT LAND DUE TO OPEN CAST MINING

THE RANIGANJ COALBELT !~~N

'\)

~

0 5 10 km.

87° 110'E

~ ~l

40'N ~ '¢ \"'23:;.._,

/

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TABLE 5.17: Derelict land of Raniganj coalbelt due to op•encast mining

Mouza Name with mae. serial no. J.L. No. Derelict area (s~. km.)

Abandoned Mines & Surroundings Spoil Dumps Ramnagar( 1 ) 11(K) 0.5000

Lalbazar(2) 10(K) 0.1000

Duburdi(3) 2(K) 0.2500

Damagaria( 4) 4(K) 0 . .4800

Debipur(5) 1(K) 0.1725

Indakata(6) 3(K) 0.2375

Jemari(7) 32(S) 0.3125

Basudevpur(8) 3l(S) 0.1875

Salanpur(9) 27(S) 0.2425

Dhundabad(10) 29(S) 0.0875 Banbirdi( II) 30(S) 0.0100 Alkusha( 12) 58(S) 0.2500 Dabar(l3) 57(S) 0.4500 Radhaballavpur( 14) 62(S) 0.0825

Lahat(l5) 6I(S) 0.2100 Pahargara( I 7) 64(S) 0.1150

8ila(I 9) 23(8) 0.1850 Alipur(20) 8(8) 0.0375 Kantapahari(22) 9(8) 0.7750 Jamgram(23) 20(B) 2.6450 Kapistha(24) 19(B) 0.4200 Jayramdanga(26) 41(B) 0.1275 8hashajuri(27) 42(B) 0.0525 Barabani(28) 45(B) 0.2275 Napara(29) 40(B) 0.0475

Khaerbad(31) 6(B) 0.0900 Amdiha(32) 24(B) 0.3625 Chichurbil(3 3) 5(1) 0.3625 Churulia(34) 6(1) 0.1000 Shibpur(35) 18(1) 0.0625 Parihapur(3 7) 23(1) 0.0100 Kaithi(36) 22(1) 0.0700 1amuria(38) 21(1) 0.2700 lkra(39) 38(1) 0.0825 Mamudpur( 40) 51(1) 0.0125 Dhasna(41) 50(1) 0.0100 Chakdala( 4 3) 58(1) 0.2625 Chich uri a( 44) 69(J) 0.4525 8amanbad(45) 7l(J) 0.0125 Chhatrishganda( 46) 67(1) 0.0425

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Mouza Name with map serial no. J.L No. Derelict area (sq. km.)

Dhasal(47) 56(1) 0.0200 Jote Jonaki(48) 55(J) 0.2400 Siarsol(51) 17( R) 0.6350 Nimcha(52) 16( R) 0.0525 Amrasota(53) 18( R) 0.2700 Raniganj(54) 24( R) 0.0625 Sonachora(56) 21( R) 0.0675 Mangalpur(57) 22( R) 0.9875 Baktamagar(58) 30( R) 0. I 900 Bilpahari(60) 2(0) 0.3000 H ansdiha( 62) 27(0) 0.0300 Bhaluka(63) 21(0) 0.0400 Haripur(65) 24(0) 0.6350 Kumarkhala( 66) 25(0) 0.5350 Banabahal( 67) 26(0) 0.1250 Bahula(70) 30(0) 0.1500 Sidhuli(7l) 31(0) 0.0425 Parashkol(72) 38(0) 0.8850 Kajora(73) 41(0) 0.3000 Chak Rambati(74) 45(0) 0.2375 Dhandadihi(75) 39(0) 0.9250 Madhabpur(76) 40(0) 0.9375

Active Mines and Surrounding Spoil Dumps Shyamdi(l6) 63(S) 0.5800 Mohanpur(18) 65(S) 0.2350 Panuria(21) 10(B) 0.2625 Sarshatali(25) 18(B) 0.5000

Bhanowara(30) 44(B) 0.2150 Tapsi(42) 53(J) 0.1525 Kenda(49) 73(J) 0.1925

Parasia(50) 74(1) 0.5250 Banshra(55) 20( R) 0.0550 Kendra Khottadi(59) 1(0) 0.3825 Bajari(64) 23(0) 1.8875 Sonpur(61) 22(0) 0.7825 Chhora(69) 29(0) 0.5000 Shankarpur( 68) 28(0) 0.3625 JOALBHANGA(78) 12(0) 0.2075 Dalurbandh(77) 4(0) 0.0275

Total 24.3250 Source: CMPDIL

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5.2.3 Water logging caused by coal dumps and overburdens

The overburden or waste materials from the open cast mines and quarries are often washed

down the nalas, thereby choking their courses. As a result the surrounding localities of such

nalas are subject to perpetual water logging. The Singaran and the Nunia nalas are two such

examples whose stream courses have been particularly blocked by old overburden materials

of nearby quarries and open cut mines.

Erosion of loose overburden dumps: A common element of the cultural landscape of RCB

now, the overburden dumps of the working quarries generally comprise of loose

unconsolidated materials, which are unstable in character. The heights of the dumps lie on

average between 15-20 meters. The slopes are steep varying between 70°-75°. The impact of

rain on these loose materials can lead to the sliding of surface particles resulting in slumping

and the opening up of gullies on top of the overburden dumps. These dumps have now turned

into constant sources of sediment and turbidity in the adjoining river systems.

5.2.4 Impact on river morphology and sand quarrying

Several minor drainage channels have been diverted from their original courses to facilitate

the extraction of coal by the open cast method. These are Hariajam, Nirsa, Mandrnan, and

Ghanashyam etc. In some cases the overburden dumps of the open cast collieries extend

almost up to the channels of the drainage lines. In Pahargora, for example, a part of the Nunia

nata has been nearly blocked by the old spoil dumps. The Dhandardih open cast project has

partially blocked the Singaran nala. Large point bars were noted within the channels of

almost all the minor streams due to the accumulation of spoil material drained out into them.

Clearly, the decay and change of the natural fluvial systems is an important aspect of the

overall environmental degradation due to intense mining in this area. The braiding pattern of

the Darnodar is changing as indicated from a comparative study of the aerial photographs

1983-'84 and SOl toposheets of 1971-'72. Depositional features like point bars and sand

islands have been altered. It has been noted elsewhere that between 1977 and 1990, the

pattern of sand bars too have been changed dramatically. Our field survey done in 2000 also

revealed similar changes in the channel pattern of the river Darnodar.

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It is commonly argued that quarrying the riverbed will improve the watt!r-holding capacity of

the river during the rainy season, but in reality it is quite the opposite. The pathways created

for truck-movement, some residential structures, and the haphazard scouring out of sand in

fact lessens the channel capacity. Due to the construction of high dams at Maithon and Panchet,

sand deposition has been almost arrested in the upper reaches of the dan1. Now, some quantity

of sand flows into the riverbed only during the high water discharge from the dam.

The main functions of sand stowing are to prevent the subsidence of land, and ensuring the

safety of local residents and their properties. Sand quarrying from the Damodar and Ajoy

channel beds meets the need of stowing, a need created by human intervention in the natural

environmental processes.

The ECL claim that for sand quarrying they are bound to follow some rules as specified by

the state government. For example, the government has ruled that quarrying should not

endanger any habitation, and no embankments should be destroyed.

A detailed study of sand quarrying at different places on the Damodar and Ajoy reveals its

considerable impact on the environment. Sand quarrying, an auxiliary activity of coal

mining, contributes significantly to the alteration of the physical and socio-economic

conditions of the area in its own course.

It is apparent that sand quarrying has changed the river bed, though the magnitude and

implications of this change is not clearly understood or discussed as a significant impact of

mining on the environment.

However, the negative effects of sand quarrying are many and far-reaching in impact.

First, it has been observed at many sand quarrying ghats, that the water is being channelized

to that portion where quarrying is being carried out and the opposite side of the river a sand

bar has been formed. Such sand bar formation, for example, is found in Chinakuri Sand

Gathering Plant and Ramprasadpur in Ondal Block.

Second, sand quarrying also diverts the flow of the water in dry season and thus disturbs the

natural stream hydrology due to the creation of human-made structures.

Third, due to sand quarrying, irregular depth and holes are created over the sand bed that

may turn into danger traps for the local people in the rainy season. Particularly, those holes

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near the bank are traps for humans and several deaths have been reported in the region due to

the presence of these irregular bed characteristics.

Fourth. the quarried sand, transported to areas near the collieries for storing and future

stowing, is affecting the environment of the densely populated settlements by adding and

destroying the fertility of the agricultural land. Particularly near the urban areas of the region

the sand occupies large areas.

Fifth. the sand is adding to the suspended particulate matter which is already high in the

region (Pollution Control Board, 1995).

A huge quantity of sand is extracted everyday by the mmmg authority and the J. K.

Ropeways Company Pvt. Ltd. from the Damodar and Ajoy river beds. The following tables

(table-5.18 and 5.19), however, reflect that there is a net discrepancy in the amounts of sand

stowed and the amounts of coal extracted during a given time period.

TABLE 5.18: Difference (in metric tons) between sand stowing and coal extraction

during April1995- November 1995 and April1996- November 1996.

Area Apr. 95- Nov. '95 Difference Apr. '96 - Nov. '96 Difference Sand over

Sand Coal Sand over Sand stowed Coal cotU East Division Stowed raised coal raised

Kunustoria 1,530,173.7 348,821 1,181,352.7 1,546,749.6 353,507 1 '193,242.6

Kajora 798,342.6 200,523 597,819.6 970,899.6 209,084 761,815.6

Kenda 300,105.3 44,667 255,438.3 317,219.1 49,370 267,849.1

Bankola 922,102.5 193,080 729,022.5 1,109,559 231,311 878,248

Pandaveswar 841,051.2 194,014 647,037.2 1,151,244.6 239,769 911,475.6

Total (E.D.) 4,391,775.3 981,105 3,410,670.3 5,095,671.9 1.,083,041 4,012,630.9

West Division

Sodepur 500,379 138,253 362,126 618,380.4 147,216 471,164.4

Sri pur 498,319.8 87,966 410,353.8 460,623.9 92,863 367,760.9

Sat gram 1,310,238.6 267,004 1,043,234.6 1,091,887.5 260,233 831,654.5

Total (W.O.) 2,308,937.4 493,223 1,815,714.4 2,1 70,891.8 500,312 1,670,579.8

Total (ECL) 6,700,712.7 1,474,328 5,226,384. 7 7,266,563. 7 1,583,353 5,683,210.7

Source: J. K. Ropeways

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TABLE 5.19: Comparison between sand stowing and coal extracti:on during the period

April1995 to November 1995 and April1996 to November 1996

Area Percentage variation

East Division Sand Coal

Kunustoria 3.56 1.34

Kajora 71.31 4.26

Kenda 18.81 10.52

Bankola 67.056 19.80

Pandaveswar 121.704 23.58

West Division

Sodepur 77.814 6.48

Sri pur -24.95 1.05

Sat gram -54.98 -2.53 Source: J .K. Ropeways

Change in water resources: Water resources of the region can be divided into surface and

groundwater. The average annual rainfall of the region is 1330 mili metres with a 40 per cent

runoff. There are three major rivers, the Damodar, Barakar and Ajoy. The watershed/divide

runs approximately northwest - southwest; the Damodar has seven tributaries whereas the

Ajoy has 25 small tributary streams. All the streams and rivers are almost dry except during

the rainy season (June - September).

The total water from the mines reaching the river systems is 1 08 mgd and 70 mgd

respectively during wet and dry seasons. A typical mine water is contaminated by suspended

solids, iron compounds, chlorides, acidic sulphates etc., and has some oil and grease. By

itself, mine water is not potable. From a recent study done by the CMPDIL, it has been

confirmed that the nitrate content in the water from open cast mines is severely high. The

high nitrate explosives used in blasting the overburden rocks may be responsible for this.

The Advance Environmental Planning Group noted in its report ( 1988) that waters of the

Damodar is usable for industrial and irrigation purposes only at the entry point of the

Raniganj coalbelt; near Burnpur, Indian Iron and Steel Company (liSCO), up to which 25

collieries with coal production of 3.22 lakh tones per month contributes 2.2 mgd of water, the

water is still usable for public water supply, bathing ghats, pisciculture and irrigation

purposes; after the Damodar crosses Burnpur, the quality of water seriously deteriorates and

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becomes unsuitable even for public water supply and bathing ghats. Further 34 kilometres

downstream before Durgapur, 56 mines producing 11.30 lakh ton es of coal per month pour

53.8 mgd of water during dry season, the water is not fit even for public water supply and

bathing ghats. Damodar is severely polluted after Durgapur where it contains high, and phenol

and is usable only for irrigation. The temperature of the water is not suitable for pisciculture too.

The Ajoy receives 15.3 mgd in dry and 23.94 mgd of water in the monsoon season from 24

mines producing 4.89 lakh ton es of coal per month. The river also carries effluents from the

Chittarajan Locomotive Works located at the northwest comer ofthe region. Other surface

sources of water include tanks and other water bodies spread all over the region. These

contain valuable water resources for the use by local communities. However, many of these

have dried up in recent years. Water accumulated in the abandoned opencast mines is dirty

and the ditches are too low for use of any purpose.

Groundwater in the region occurs under unconfined conditions in the weathered, jointed and

fractured zones of various litho units of the Gondwana group that are segmented into smaller

isolated areas by a number of impermeable basic dykes. There has bt~en significant lowering

of the groundwater table. There are two main reasons for the falling groundwater table.

Due to continuous pumping of water in active underground mines and due to the existence of

deep goafs, there has been a gradual fall of the groundwater level in dug wells by 4-5 metres

over a period of I 0-15 years in Samdi, Pahargora, Sialbari, Raghunathbati etc. A comparison

of the present depth to water levels in dug wells with those measured during the period 1967-

'98 indicate that there has been a significant fall in groundwater level at Sanctoria,

Patmohana, Bartaria, and Kankardanga etc. (RoyChowdhury and Roy, 1989).

One more reason of the fall in groundwater table is subsidence of land. Subsidence of the

surface destroys hydrological stability, as a result of which the water level fluctuates widely

during pre- and post-monsoon periods, and small and small water tanks that have

traditionally sustained various needs of local communities have become permanently dry

(Lahiri-Dutt and Lahiri, 1999). Working of lower seams of old abandoned, waterlogged

mines sometimes induce cracks which drain out the water. Even in the case of open cast

mining, cracks resulting from blasting help to lower the groundwater table in surrounding

areas. Water table depth in the Raniganj coalbelt has been shown in t:able-5.20.

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TABLE 5.20: Water table depth of below groundwater level (B(;L) (in metres):

The Raniganj coalbelt

T ot11l depth Type of Di11metre in Well Loc . N 111ion Block in metres ~u mLtres

o. (BGLl

1 Sanctoria Kulti 20 Dug\\' ell 2.5

2 Dendua Salanpur 10.78 Dugwell 1.9

3 U pperkesi.a Do 8.62 Dugwell 1.56

4 Sarsatali Barabani 18.16 Du~rell 1.82

5 Bhuradanga Do 28 Du~rell 1.8

6 Banagram Rangapara Hirapur 6.7 Dugwell 1.35

7 Asansol Asansol 8.4 Dugwell 1.8

8 Barabani Barabani 17.6 Dugwell 0.97

9 Churulia Jamuria I 21.84 Dugwell 1.8

10 Jamuria Do Dugwell 0.95

11 Chandamore Jamuria II 15.5 Dugvrell 2.1

12 Tirat Raniganj 8.42 Dugwell 1.87

13 Mangalpur Do 12 Dugwell 1.87

14 Rarnnagar Ondal 14.06 Dugvrell 1.8

15 Ukhra Do 15.2 Dugwell 3.05

16 Ondal Do 12.07 Dugwell 1.87

17 Bhiringhi Durgapur Faridpur 5.45 DUg\Vell 0.99

18 Madha~aganj Do 11.6 Dugwell 1.93 Source: CMPDIL

5.2.5 Lowering of water quality and depletion of water table

Water shows two important aspects with respect to coal mining. First is the quality of water,

both surface and subsurface water, and second is the quantity of water, again both surface

and subsurface. The Raniganj coalbelt lying in a tropical monsoon climate with an abundance

of rainfall should not have a scarcity of water at all. However, in recent decades, village

communities have increasingly complained of water scarcity and the water problem has taken

a serious dimension. The ground water table has shown significant levels of fluctuation,

whereas local ponds of smaller sizes have dried up. This is directly linked to the expansion in

coal mining activities.

Various factors are generally responsible for the spatial variation of water table. They include

surface relief, lithology, rainfall, hydrological characteristics and anthropogenic activities

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(Jana and Dutta, 1996). In the Raniganj coalbelt water tables at various locations near the

operating mines get lowered due to water releases from the mines. As the coal is lifted, voids are

created underground and the water passes through the cracks to lower levels. Some of the voids

are waterlogged, but some are dry and often had to the subsidence of the ground surface.

Subsidence of land also leads to the lowering of groundwater table through cracks in the bedrock.

In different areas of the collieries, lowering of the ground water level has taken place due to

the pumping of water from the mines. Depending on the depth of the coal, a significant

amount of water has to be removed for each ton of coal lifted. This has resulted in the

development of cracks and joints that lead to the depletion of ground water. This together with

overuse of water has resulted in the lowering of water table in Hirapur, Sitarampur and Asansol

area. The land subsidence is yet another reason for causing ground water depletion. In Jhanjra, it

has been apprehended that the water table may go down creating subsidence troughs, which will

act as water reservoirs that will be posing problems for future water extraction.

The following ta.ble-5.21 shows the pre- and post-monsoon depth of water table of some

locations (Lahiri-.Outt and Ghosh, 1997).

TABLE 5.21: Pre- and post-monsoon depths of groundwater level (metres): 1982-'85

Well Location

Pre- Post- Average pre- Average post-No. monsoon monsoon monsoolf monsoon

1. Sanctoria 28.87 19.98 3.61 2.50

2. Dendua 80.54 42.80 5.75 3.06

3. Upperkesia 63.35 43.72 4.67 3.12

4. Sarsatali 145.40 70.61 12.12 5.04

5. Bhuradanga 100.03 51.69 7.15 3.69

6. Banagram Rangapara 76.12 45.89 5.86 3.28

7. Asansol 93.12 42.82 6.65 3.06

8. Barabani 89.36 59.03 6.38 4.22

9. Churulia 114.61 57.54 12.73 4.11

10. Jamuria 172.23 122.84 12.31 8.77

11. ChandaMore 92.91 35.89 6.64 2.56

12. Tirat 57.17 32.24 6.35 3.58

13. Mangalpur 174.70 104.65 14.56 7.48

14. Ramnagar 68.81 65.74 9.87 8.22

15. Ukhra 162.43 58.99 11.6 4.21

16. Ondal 143.50 67.71 11.04 4.84

17. Bhiringi 61.47 35.24 4.39 2.52

18. Madhayganj 100.31 38.80 9.12 2.98 Source: CMPDIL

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The fluctuation in groundwater level could be a natural phenomenon, but it is not evidenced

from the fact that over the years the average depth of groundwater levels has been falling in

the region. The table-5.22 refers to the time period between 1983 and 1995 clearly brings out

the falling groundwater table (Lahiri-Dutt and Ghosh, 1997). Several factors like rapid

urbanization and hence increased water demands, expansion of open cast and mining,

reckless use of groundwater to extinguish subsurface coal fires c:md subsidence have

contributed to the depletion of water resources in the Raniganj coal belt.

TABLE 5.22: Average depths of groundwater level (Metres): 1983-'95

Years Pre Monsoon Post Monsoon

1983 9.42 5.52

1984 9.91 4.44

1985 8.76 4 .. 77

1986 9.02 3.85

1987 8.70 4.61

1988 7.10 5.72

1989 7.99 4.66

1990 6.63 3.31

1991 7.93 4.28

1992 6.65 3.99

1993 7.63 3.37

1994 8.30 3.38

1995 11.49 2:.89 Source: CMPDIL

5.2.6 Pollution

According to a Pollution Control Board (West Bengal) report, air pollution level in this

region is very high. The suspended particles are 233 Jlg/m3 whereas the US level is 75 Jlg/m3.

Environmental pollution observed in different levels, such as;

• The fertility status of the soil too has been changed. The soil pH map of the Raniganj

coal belt shows the spatial variations of soil pH content.

• The maximum drainage density occurs in northern part and minimum density occurs in

the eastern part. Mining activity has interfered with the surface drainage channels in the

eastern part by silting them up for urban expansion or modifying the natural courses.

• There is an increment of about eight metres in ground water level from pre- to post­

monsoon period indicating a high level of ground water fluctuation. This is mainly due to

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the use of water by the urban centres, due to mining and subsidence of land that has

disturbed the: hydrological stability of the region.

• The suspended organic matter in water is 40 per cent of the total suspended particle. This

organic matter is the origin of carcinogenic diseases. Chromium, nickel. Manganese,

aluminum, silicon, chloride and carbon are the main toxic elements found in water bodies

in the Raniganj region.

• The sulfur dioxide (S02) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in the air of this region are 3.95

Jlg/m3 and 91.95 Jlg/m3 respectively.

• The average noise level of this region is 90-100 decibel, which is far above the permissible

level. This is mainly due to the blasting and explosions related to opencast mining.

• The high levels of suspended load of the valued surface water of drainage systems of this

region originate at the coal dumps and wastes.

Air and water pollution - certain types of mining and particularly for base metals, almost

invariably result in a gradual release to the natural environment of toxic substances, of which

the most important are probably mental ions and chemical reagents. This release mechanism

normally continues for long periods after the mine has ceased to operate.

Noise and dust - long term exposure to high noise levels can cause permanent hearing

damage and similar exposure to dust can damage lung tissue and, in extreme cases, cause

premature death. These are most important problems in protecting employees but there is no

evidence that the general public is ever subjected to levels of noise or dust sufficient to cause

a health hazard.

Environmental pollution is gradually increasing in the RCB due to opencast and underground

mining. The main aspects of pollution are described below:

i) Water pollution - In the time of excavation of coal, huge amount of water

pumpout from the mining. This stored stagnant water polluted the environment

gradually to mixed up non-solvent materials, increase of salt, oil, grease, phenol,

nitrate, cyanide, copper, and different chemically solvent materials.

ii) Air pollution- Huge mining dust polluted the mining atmosphere to using boiler,

holeroad, dowser, damper, scrapper, tripler, and explosive materials, in different

purpose. Green house effect due to increasing C02, Acid rain due to S02,

101

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photochemical smog for N02 and carbon monoxide have adverse effect an

atmosphere. So, local people suffered from different kinds of diseases.

iii) Sound pollution - Sound pollution created by using dowser, damper, scrapper,

numetic drill, brasher, and blasting in mine.

iv) Vibration - Vibration occurred due to heavy dragger, bump, air blast in mine

which have an adverse effect both physically and mentally to living animals and

create cracks and subsidence in human settlement also.

v) Other effects - Damp wastage and poisonous waste materials polluted the mine

atmosphere. By these flora and fauna and affected in large scale. Social and economic

crisis occurred in human life due land degradation, misuse and land damage.

5.2. 7 Changes in forest cover

The region was covered with tropical deciduous varieties of trees (called as Jungle Mahal) before

coal was discovered in the region in 1774. After mining development most of the area is now

particularly treeless. Mining has been responsible for widespread deforestation an in the region.

It was also noticed during the field survey that the underground water discharged by the

mines was poor in quality in many ways. In respect of colour, which has a direct impact on

the vegetation colnmunity, it was especially poor. The following table shows that water

quality is not suitable for most plant species.

Field investigations revealed that the areas lying directly above subsurface coal fire are almost

barren due to prevailing dry condition of soil and cracks. The carbon monoxide (CO) and other

toxic gases, coming from cracks of the surface, develop hazardous conditions in environment.

Deforestation has occurred in only four mouzas, viz, Panuria, Kantapahari, Jamgram, and

Amrasota. The deforested land is 2.0437 square kilometres (given in table-5.23). The reason

for this is that the region had experienced widespread deforestation in the first wave of

mining expansion during the mid-nineteenth century. As a result of early denudation of forest

cover, much ofthe surface land had turned into pasture or agricultural land.

102

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TABLE 5.23: Deforested area

MouzaName Area surveyed by forest Total forest area in the Deforestation department, W.B. (sq. km.) year 1997 (sq. km.) (sq. km.)

Pan uri a 1.2683 0.4750 0.7933

Kantapahari 0.2373 0 0.2373

Jam gram 4.943 3.9475 0.9955

Arnrasota 0.0326 0.0150 0.0176

Total 6.4812 4.4375 2.0437

Forest is one of the most fundamental natural resources of the earth. It plays a significant role

in maintaining the ecosystem balance. It also influences greatly on the socio-economic

conditions of local communities by providing valuable resources and on the national

economy by providing raw materials for industries. A forest is defined as a renewable source of

energy for its invaluable timber. The rate of deforestation in recent years has reached alarming

levels due to increased population growth, expansion of mining, industrialization, urbanization

and construction of multipurpose river valley projects (Mehrotra and Suri, 1994; Rashid 1993).

In the Raniganj coalbelt, deforestation has a long history that began with the expansion of

mining in mid-1 850s (Hunter, 1877 reprinted in 1973) but has been particularly accelerated

during the last three decades of coal mining in the public sector (Lahiri-Dutt and Ghosh, 1997).

Satellite remote sensing technology has become an important additional tool for mapping and

monitoring of forest cover in the last two decades. This state of the art technology provides a

sustainable global information system because it has the capability to amalgam the resource needs

and demands of the present and future. The accumulation of real time data on regional and global

scales is possible by satellite based technology because of its synoptic view. Its multispectral and

multitemporal mode of data acquisition characteristic proves invaluable and is extremely cost

effective. Its repetitive nature provides an efficient tool for monitor[ng forest cover change

(Lillesand and Kiefer, 1994). Satellite data have been previously used successfully to map forest

cover changes over time in other mining regions in India (Dhar and Thakur, 1995).

The forests of this region are now situated mainly in Salanpur, Baraboni, Jamuria Ondal,

Faridpur and Durgapur police stations. The dominant species are sal trees (Shorea robusta

Gaertn), mohua (Madhnea latifolia), palas (Butea monosperma), bans (Bambusa arundinacea),

shireesha (Albizzia lebbek), arka (Calotrapis gigantea), kend (Diospyros me/anoxylon), arjun

103

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(Terminalia arjuna) and ashan (T tomentosa). On the other hand, two major groups, namely,

lantana (Putush) and Papaver (Regni) are dominating in the ditches and rocky plains of coal

mines area. Sine<~ the Lantana attains some height and having attractive pink white and radish

flowers during monsoon, it forms a thick shrub forest (Biswas, 1994 ).

During the period from 1947 to 1954, the Forest Department gradually took over the

possession of vested forests and reorganized the forest administration. A separate

'Barddhaman forest division' was created in the year 1949. During this period the ex-owners

made major damages to the forests by encouraging the reckless cutting of trees. Also during

the second five-year plan, the forest department lost about 10,000 acres of solid chunk of

forests to accommodate the steel plant and various other group industries. Later, the forest

department took the initiative to demarcate the actual forest area and tried to implement

various afforestation programmes. A large number of species were tried in the afforestation

programmes, but the surviving species were mostly those suited to local environmental

conditions. These included trees such as teak sal, peasal, eucalyptus, rninjri, arjun, neem,

sirish etc. According to the Divisional Forests Office, Barddhaman, the total recorded forest

area was 49 square kilometres and surveyed total forest area was 42.82 square kilometres

before the year 1971 (given in table-5.24).

The present study takes an opportunity to bring the mouza level forest mapping to the

limelight for \)(~tter resource management. The estimated forest area was 41.08 square

kilometres (3 .26 per cent of total geographical area) in the year 1971 (figure 5.1 0). The study

describes the pac;t and the current- 1996 and 1997- situation (figure5.11 and 5.12). From the

given table, it is apparent that during the period 1971-'91, the forest cover has ~en destroyed

to a great extent. From the census data of 1991, the total area under forest cover is recorded

as 22.13 square kilometres (1.76 per cent oftotal geographical area of the Raniganj coalbelt).

TABLE 5.24: Forest area of the Raniganj coalbelt

SL No. Year 1. 1971 2. 1981 3. 1991 4. 1996 5. 1997

Area (in sq. km) 41.08 30.47 22.13 65.82 80.37

104

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" I'\ \.)

~

E 87°1 O'E

FIGURE- 5.10

FOREST MAPPING THE RANIGANJ COALBELT

1971

f~ .. ~~f:~

V"l./ ~

50'N

23°

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23° 3o·N

8e·•eo·E

8e•,eo·e

87• 1 O'E

87°1 O'E

FIGURE· 5.11 87• 11 O'E 87• 120'E

FOREST MAPPING THE RANIGANJ COALBELT

IRS· 1C, LISS ·Ill JAN, 1996

" "' Q }- ; ~

) ,......v,.. ){! .... ~ ,.e

"

Q A p .. 0 5 10 km.

87° 110'E

23: 50'N

23° 3

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23° -O'N

23° 3o·N

88° IISO'E

88°1150'E

87° 1 O'E

87°1 O'E

FIGURE - 5.12 87° 110'E 87° 120'E

FOREST MAPPING THE RANIGANJ COALBELT

1997

0 5 10 km.

87° 110'E

23~ SO'N

23° 3

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However. since 1991 there has been a remarkable increase in the forest cover of the region.

The reason for such an increase can be traced to the successful introduction of more local

community-oriented programmes such as community participation, regeneration of forests

and forest protection committee.

Digital estimation from IRS-I C, LISS-III satellite data of the year 1996 reveals that 65.82 sq.

km (5.22 per cent of the total geographical area) is under different typt::s of forest cover. This

cover is further measured graphically from the false colour composite (FCC) of IRS-IC,

LISS-III satellite data of the year 1997 as 80.38 square kilometres, which is 6.38 per cent of

the total geographical area of the Raniganj coalbelt.

We have taken the help of standard visual and digital interpretation techniques of remote

sensing for this research. IRS-IC, LISS-111 digital data of January, 1996 and FCC on 1:50,000

scale ofNovember, 1997 were the main sources of information. Survey of India's topographical

sheets (nos. 73Vl3, 14, 73M/1, 2, 6, 7) at 1: 50,000 scale have been used too. Besides, we have

considered mouza level police station maps of 1971 census along with the census data of 1981

and 1 991. All three maps were prepared by standard techniques of overlaying the mouza. level

maps on toposheets, FCC and raster satellite data. We have also used the conventional graph

method of area measurement (Rao, 1995; Collaborative Project of Wildlife Wing, Forest

Department of West Bengal and RRSSC, Kharagpur, 1994; Gauta.m, Raghavswamy and

Nagaraja, 1994; Rashid, 1993; Report No. RRSSC_KGP/1/93, 1993; Richards, 1986)

According to the 1971 census eleven police stations of the Raniganj coalbelt comprise 520

mouzas, 12 non-municipal urban areas, one Notified Area and two municipalities. The eleven

police stations were Chittaranjan, Salanpur, Baraboni, Kulti, Hirapur, Asansol, Raniganj,

Jamuria, Ondal, Faridpur and Durgapur. According to the records of Divisional Forests

Office, Burdwan, the forest covered area was distributed among 69 mouzas of seven police

stations (P.S.) -· Salanpur, Baraboni, Jamuria, Raniganj, Hirapur, Ondal and Faridpur. The

recorded distributed forest area is given in table-5.25 and the total recorded forest cover area

is 49 square kilometres. However, there is a discrepancy between records and actual area

surveyed by the forest department. The forest department surveyed only 42.82 square

kilometres around this time. Such discrepancies leading to confusion regarding data are

common in case of forest areas due to the varying definitions of what constitutes a 'forest' in

reality (Chambers, eta!., 1989).

105

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TABLE 5.25: Distribution of area into different territorial units as recorded in forest records of the Burdwan division of the Raniganj coal belt

Police Mouza with Area in The area surveyed out of Sl. No. Station(P.S.) J.L. No. Acres total area of the division

Salanpur Garn.arkuri-2 15.43 15.43

2 do Sarkuri-3 68.69 68.69

3 do Bathanbari-4 239.59 201.01

4 do Dhanudi-22 119.86 117.06

5 do Halda-23 518.11 384.27

6 do Dharashpur-50 42.09 42.09

7 Baraboni Parulberia-1 13.50 13.50

8 do Roshna-2 125.91 255.95

9 do Daskiari-3 18.73 18.73

10 do Kanakuli-4 0.92 00

11 do Chootkar-5 10.49 10.49

12 do Baradanga-7 52.85 52.85

13 do Kantapahari-9 58.63 58.63

14 do Panuria-10 295.31 313.43

15 do Aliganj-11 310.71 316.00

16 do Hosenpur-12 60.75 60.75

17 do Gourbazar-14 148.16 141.50

18 do Arnulda-15 34.80 34.30

19 do Rasunpur-16 74.07 75.07

20 do Madanpur-17 124.51 120.47

21 do Sarshatali-18 237.23 237.23

22 do Jarn.gram-20 2063.37 1221.10

23 Jam uri a Andharaia-1 120.93 120.93

24 do Madhabpur-3 51.23 51.23

25 do Marn.udpur-51 53.85 53.85

26 Raniganj Tirat-6 55.84 56.90

27 do Searsol-17 6.19 5.64

28 do Arnrasota-18 8.06 8.06

29 do Mangalpur-22 164.44 165.71

30 do Baktarnagar-3 0 .31

31 do Napur-31 12.80 13.20

32 Hirapur Dihika-31 20.80

33 Ondal Bilpahari-2 55.42 55.42

34 do Dularbandh-4 14.40 13.49

35 do 1 oalbhanga-12 12.60 12.50

106

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Police Mouza with Area in The area surveyed out of

Sl. No. Station(P.S.) J.L. No. Acres total area of the division

36 do Nabagram-20 56.50 56.50

37 do Sonpur-22 11.65 11.65

38 Faridpur Srikrishnapur-9 586.35 285.75

39 do Benabandhi-11 85.18 85.18

40 do Sirsa-17 25.90 25.90

41 do Nabaghanapur-19 58.20

42 do Tilaboni-20 61.55 62.49

43 do Madhaiganj-24 613.11 356.19

44 do Kalikapur-30 51.81 51.81

45 do Bansia-31 341.97 343.09

46 do Shyampur-32 59.61 59.61

47 do Jhanjra-33 70.17 71.68

48 do Bansigara-3 8 743.02 742.90

49 do Pratappur-40 24.68 24.68

50 do Baragoria-41 210.41 216.49

51 do Ketaberia-42 282.12 282.11

52 do Dhaboni-43 356.96 359.36

53 do Parulia-44 730.90 729.77

54 do Kamalpur-4 7 581.03 580.90

55 do Hetodoba-48 440.64 440.66

56 do Ichapur-50 12.00 12.00

57 do Kururia-56 73.04 72.40

58 do Bijapur-57 29.37 29.37

59 do Dhandabag-66 6.84 6.84

60 do Benachiti-67 25.71 3.45

61 do Bhiringi-68 28.00 27.00

62 do Pardai-76 152.44 152.00

63 do Chakbhabani-77 39.12 39.22

64 do Goalara-78 151.11 151.11

65 do Paranganj-79 133.74 133.70

66 do Jamua-80 270.96 270.96

67 do Haribazar-81 119.25 119.19

68 do Gopedanga-94 325.28 325.24

69 do Talikhala-96 32.50 32.50

Total 6882.44 6297.30

107

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Figure-5.10 shows the information collected from toposheets along with mouza boundaries.

It shows that the forest covered area is spread over 52 mouzas and Durgapur notified area of

five police stations - Salanpur, Baraboni, Raniganj, Faridpur and Durgapur. These 52

mouzas with their respective J.L. nos. (Judictionary Level of Administration) are listed in

table-5.26. The forest covered area is measured as 41.08 square kilometres which is 3.26 per

cent of total area of the region.

TABLE 5.26: Distribution of forestry into different mouzas (with J.L. No.) (1971-72)

SLNo. Police Station

1. Salanpur

2. Baraboni

3. Raniganj

4. Ondal

5. Faridpur

6. Durgapur

Mouza with J.L. No.

Gamarkuri-2, Sarkuri-3, Bathanbari-4, Halda-23

Parulbaria-1, Daskiari-3, Kanskuli-4, Chhotkara-5, Baradanga-7, Panuria-10, Aliganja-11, Hosenpur-12, Gourbazar-14, Rasunpur-16, Madanpur-17, Sarshatali-18, Jamgram-20

Chelad-5, Tirat-6, Chalbalpur-7, Damalia-11, Narankuri-12. Egara-13, Amrasota-18

Nabagram-20, Sonpur-22

Srikrishnapur-9, Rangamatia-10, Benebandhi-11, Nabaghanapur-19, Tilabani-20, Jamgram-23, Madhaiganja-24, Kalikapur-30, Bansia-31, Shyampur-32, Jhanjra-33, Chapabandi-37, Banshgara-38, Nachan-39, Baragoria-41, Kataberia-42, Dhabani-43, Hetedoba-48, Ichhapur-50, Goalara-78, Paranganj-79, Jemua-80, Kaliganj-83, Gopedanga-94, Sankarpur-95, Talikhala-96,

Durgapur Notified Area

Clearly, the largest area under forests was destroyed during the period 1971-'91. This period

coincides with large-scale expansion of coal mining operations and consequent industrial­

urban growth. Though the National Wasteland Development Board was set up around the

same time (NWDB, 1986), the actual thrust of development policies of the district

administration did not pay any consideration to environmental aspects such as forest

co~servation. This is probably why the forest area had shrunk to 30.47 square kilometres in

1981 and further to only 22.13 square kilometres in 1991. Six police stations - Salanpur,

Baraboni, Jamuria, Raniganj, Durgapur and Faridpur contained most of this forest area

(Report of Ghosh, Bose and Associates, 1995).

After 1991, however, the Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) and other development

authorities such as the district Forest Department, Zilla Parishad, Asansol-Durgapur

108

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Development Authority etc. took a number of scheme for tree plantation with active

participation from the local communities. As a result in 1996, the forest area spread over 200

mouzas. Some amount of forest cover was seen in almost all the police stations. A list of these

mouzas has been provided in the table-5.27 and a map (figure-5.11) has been also prepared. The

map and the table have been made on the basis ofthe digital analysis ofiRS-IC-LISS-III data of

1996. Digitally, the forest area has been estimated as 65.82 square kilometres.

Table 5.27: Spatial distribution of forestry into different mouzas of the Raniganj

coal belt in the year 1996 (by digital analysis of IRS-1 C-LISS-111 digital data)

SL no.

I.

2.

" .),

4.

5.

6.

7.

Police station Mouza with J.L no.

Chittaranjan Narnakeshia-8

Salanpur Gamarkuri-2, Sarkuri-3,Bathanbari-4,Sidhabari-5, Banskatia-6, Ramchandrapur-7, Kalipathar-8, Brindabani-9, Damdaha-10, Dhanguri-11, Pithakiari-12., Majhladi-13, Muchidi-14, Pratappur-15, Alladi-16, Barabani-21, Dhanudi-22, Halda-23, Maheshpur-24, Salanpur-27, Khudka-28, Banbirdi-30, Basudebpur-31, Jemari-32, Rupnarayanpur-36, Benagarya-37, Ghiadoba-42, Jitpur-44, Sadhna-60, Bolkunda-67, Barbakpur-68, Madhaichak-69, Patal-70, Dhundabad-74, Ethora-76, Angariya-77

Kulti Debipur-1, Jamaldi-5, Chanptaria-6, Digari-7, Sabanpur-8, Lachhmanpur-17, Rampur-18, Chalbalpur-19, Kulti(NA), Niamatpur(NA), Disergarh(NA)

Hirapur Namabara-4, Chapradi-5, Aluthiya-6, Purushottarnpur-13, Shyamdihi-16, Bangram-17, Burnpur(NM)

Asansol Marichkata-2, Raghunathbati-3, Baradhemo-5, Gopalpur-1 0, Palasdiha-17, Banasarakdi-22, Barapukhuriya-24, Garparira-25, Kalla-28, Sarakdi-Nadiha

Raniganj Amrasota-18, Banshra-20, Sonachora-21, Mangalpur-22, Raniganj(NM)

Baraboni Roshna-2, Daskiari-3, Kanskuli-4, Chhotkara-5, Baradang-7, Alipur-8, Aliganja-11, Hosenpur-12, Putulia-13, Gourbazar-14, Amulia-15, Rasunpur-16, Madanpur-17, Sarshatali-18, Kapistha-19, Jamgrarn-20, Puchra-21, ltapora-22, Bila-23, Baliapur-25, Amlala-26, Raniganja-27, Taldanga-29, Langanja-30, Janardansair-31, Kanyapur-32, Nuni-33, Panchgechhiya-34, Manoharbahal-35, Chinchuriya-36, Bijari-37, Paniphala-38, Karabaid-39, Napara-40, Jayramdanga-41, Maji-43, Bhanowara-44, Barabani-45, Kelejora-46, Khoshnagar-47, Domohani-50, Shamsundarpur-51, Charanpur-52

109

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Sl. no.

8.

9.

10.

11.

Police station Mouza with J.L. no.

Jamuria Andhaira-1, Madhabpur-3, Rakhakura-4, Chichurbil-5. Churulia-6., Madantor-8, Sattar-1 0, Damalia-ll, Narankuri-12, Murgathaul-15, Nimcha-16, Amrasota-18, Nandi-19, Damodarpur-20, Kaithi-22, Parihapur-23. sripur-24. Kundalia-25, Jamuria(NM), Khoshkhula-27, Ninga-28, Banali-31, Satgram-33, Katagaria-34, Mandalpur-37, Ikra-38, Sekpur-39, Hijalgara-40, Kumardiha-41, Barul-43, Darbardanga:-44, Patharchur-45, Lalbazar-46, Sidhpur-47. Bijoynagar-49, Dhasna-50, Mamudpur-51, Sarthakpur-52, Tapsi-53, Kunustara-54, JoteJanaki-55, Dhasala-56, Bahadurpur-57, Chakdala-58, Bataspur-61, Bagdiha-64, Bhuri-65, Nimsa-68, Chichuria-69, Dobrana-72, Kenda-73, Parasia-74

Pandabeswer Kendrakhottamdi-1, Ramnagar-2, Dalurbandh-4, Joalbhanga-9, Bilpahari-1 0, Chakjharia-12, Nabagram-14, Bhaluka-15, Sonpur-16

Faridpur Srikrishnapur-9, Banebandhi-11, Maheshpur-12, Balijuri-16, Sirsha-17, Nakrakonda-18, Nabaghanapur-19, Tilabani-20, Laudoha-21, Chaklaudoha-22, Jamgara-23, Madhaiganja-24, Amdahi-25, Jagannathpur-26, Khatgaria-29, Bansia-31, Shyampur-32, Mukundapur-33, Banshgara-38, Baragaria-41, Katabera-42, Dhabani-43, Goalara-78, Paranganj-79, Jemua-80, Kaliganj-83, Gopedanga-94

Durgapur Durgapur (NA)

The conservation, protection and plantation schemes are now being better monitored than

before. Also, the authorities have given due importance to afforestation during the late 1990s

due to the focus of academic attention being centred upon mining-related environmental

degradation. Another likely cause of the renewal of forest cover is the closure of a few coal

mines in the Raniganj region. Many abandoned pits have become covered with jungles

through natural revegetation over long disuse of land. Finally, the question of 'definition' of

a forest area and consequent data generation too cannot be ignored entirely.

To monitor the changes on a yearly basis, we prepared another map (figure-5.12) on the basis

of visual interpretation of IRS-IC-LISS-111 FCC of 1997. The table-5.28 contains the names

of 115 mouzas along with their respective forest areas in this year. The total estimated area of

the Raniganj region under forest cover has been measured as 80.38 square kilometres.

110

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TABLE 5.28: Distribution of forest area into different mouzas in the year 1997 (by visual interpretation of IRS-lC-LISS-111 satellite FCC)

SL no. Police station Mouza with J.L. no. Area (in sq. km) l. Chittaranjan Simjuri-2 0.3775 2. Do Namakeshia-8 0.3125 3. Do Chittaranjan(NM) 0.5625 4. Salanpur Gamarkuri-2 0.1000 5. Do Sarkuri-3 0.3675 6. Do Bathanbari-4 0.6000 7. Do Dhanudi-22 0.3500 8. Do Halda-23 3.1375 9. Do Salanpur-27 0.0925 ~0. Do Jitpur-44 0.1725 11. Kulti Duburdi-2 0.1925 12. Do Kulti-16 0.2925 13. Do Mahatadi-32 0.7750 14. Do Disergarh-39 0.6150 15. Do Bejdihi-58 0.4425 16. Hirapur Chaperadi-5 0.1800 17. Do Bidyanandapur-9 0.0900 18. Do Lakrasata-19 0.1325 19. Asansol Baradhemo-5 0.1000 20. Baraboni Roshna-2 1.4625 21. Do Daskiari-3 0.0625 22. Do Panuria-10 0.4750 23. Do A1iganja-11 0.7075 24. Do Hosenpur-12 0.0450 25. Do Gourbazar-14 0.5750 26. Do Madanpur-17 0.8950 27. Do Sarshatali-18 1.2625 28. Do Jamgram-20 3.9475 29. Do Puchra-21 0.0750 30. Do Monoharbahal-3 5 0.0600 31. Do Chinchuriya-36 0.3000 32. Dp Bijari-37 0.0375 33. Do Napur-40 0.5625 34. Do Jayramdanga-41 0.1675 35. Do Bhaskajuri-42 0.1650 36. Do Bhanowara-44 0.4325 37. Do Baraboni-45 0.1700 38. Do Kelejora-46 0.1825 39. Do Khoshnagar-4 7 0.0550 40. Do Domohani-50 0.2275 41. Do Charanpur-52 0.3350 42. Jam uri a Andharia-1 0.3475 43. Do Madhabpur-3 0.1550 44. Do Rakhakura-4 0.2325 45. Do Chichurbil-5 0.1600 46. Do Churulia-6 0.8200

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Sf. no. Police station Mouza with J.L. no. Area (in sq. km) 47. Do Madhudanga-7 0.4650 48. Do Madantor-8 0.0650 49. Do Jayantipur-11 0.2700 50. Do Birkulti-15 0.1125 51. Do Shibpur-18 0.6475 52. Do Nandi-19 0.2325 53. Do Damodarpur-20 0.0200 54. Do Jamuria-21 0.3150 55. Do Kaithi-22 0.0650 56. Do Pariharpur-23 0.8950 57. Do Sripur-24 0.4175 58. Do Kundalia-25 0.2600 59. Do Joba-26 0.1350 60. Do Khoshkhula-27 0.2175 61. Do Banali-31 0.0125 62. Do Mandalpur-37 0.2175 63. Pandabeswer Gobindapur-3 0.0350 64. Do Dalurbandh(NM) 2.1250 65. Do Mahal-7 0.3025 66. Do Chakkrala-8 0.3275 67. Do Joalbhanga-9 1.0400 68. Do Bhatmura-11 0.5725 69. Do Chakjharia-12 0.3475 70. Do Shyamsundarpur-13 0.1700 71. Do Nabagram-14 0.1325 72. Do Baidyanathpur(NM) 0.3100 73. Do Konardihi(NM) 1.9450 74. Ondal Ukhfa(NM) 0.0525 75. Faridpur Madhaipur-4 0.7875 76. Do Bhaburia-5 0.2575 77. Do Kamardanga-6 0.1950 78. Do Shyamsundarpur-7 0.1225 79. Do Srikrishnapur-9 1.0250 80. Do Rangamatia-1 0 0.1000 81. Do Laskarbandh-13 0.0475 82. Do Gogla-14 0.1150 83. Do Mandarbani-15 0.0425 84. Do Balijuri-16 0.4100 85. Do Sirsha-17 0.5350 86. Do Nakrakonda-18 0.2875 87. Do Nabaghanapur-19 0.1300 88. Do Tilabani-20 0.0125 89. Do Laudoha-21 0.0400 90. Do Chaklaudoha-22 0.1350 91. Do Jamgara-23 0.2500 92. Do Madhaiganja-24 1.8050 93. Do Jagannathpur-26 0.0050 94. Do Kendula-28 0.0425 95. Do Khatgaria-29 0.3400

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Sf. no. Police station Mouza with J.L. no. Area (in sq. km)

96. Do Kalikapur-30 0.5775 97. Do Jhaanjra-33 0.1525 98. Do Bhadrapur-34 0.5200 99. Do Sarpi-35 0.6175 100. Do Kendua-36 0.0150 101. Do Chapabandi-3 7 0.0775 102. Do Banshgara-38 0.6200 103. Do Nabagram-39 0.0950 104. Do Pratappur-40 0.0225 105. Do Baragaria-41 0.6875 106. Do Katabera-42 1.0425 107. Do Dhabani-43 1.6650 108. Do Bansol-49 0.1450 109. Do Goalara-78 0.0450 110. Do Paranganj-79 0.7050 Ill. Do Jemua-80 3.2650 112. Do Gopedanga-94 1.0225 113. Durgapur Kaliaganj-83 1.3800 114. Do Sankarpur-95 0.1500 115. Do T etikhala-96 0.1475 116. Do Durgapur (NA) 24.6550

Total 80.3775

The greenery of the Raniganj coal belt has somewhat increased in late 1990s. The forest area

(1.76 per cent oftotal area in 1991) has increased during the last seven years (6.38 per cent of

total area in 1997). However, this may be a purely temporary phenomenon as all these years

have been good monsoon years. Therefore, no generalizing trend can be predicted from the

results of this study.

However, it was proved beyond doubt that satellite imagery can play an invaluable role in

monitoring the greenery scheme of a region in a short time and reasonable costs. With the

investment of same time and cost, satellite data can be used to identify wastelands or any

other landuse/landcover characteristics in the same region and the information can be used

for the planning of the creation of new forestry. Mouza level forest mapping may help the

grassroots level authorities (Gram Panchayats) for the implementation of rural

development/environmental plans especially to maintain the ideal of 33 per cent forest cover.

Our study was limited by the use of23 metres ground resolution LISS-III data as we were unable

to measure/map mouza level forest areas on an individual basis. To measure/map the actual

forest area of each mouza separately, satellite data with better ground resolution is required.

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5.2.8 Loss of agricultural lands

Agricultural land was available in the RCB than Jharia and Dhanbad region, in the early

stage of coal mine development. It is mentioned in District Gazzeteire in 1951 that Burdwan

District has been considered cultivated lands, with mining areas also. No doubt about crop

production and soil fertility and that time. After using 40 years the land turned in a non­

fertile and wasteland in the mining areas.

Coal mining industries and other linked industries occupied agricultural lands and pasture

land nearly four times. These drastic change cleared with landuse within characteristics 55

years from 1920-1980. Thus mining area have taken about 175 square kilometres land in

1985-'86 from 45 square kilometres land in 1923-'29. The GSI Report in 1986 expressed their

worried to convert agricultural and pasture land into industries land.

Both mmmg and agriculture are pnmary activities. As mmmg yields quicker returns,

agriculture always loses in competition wherever extractable resources occur. Mining has

destroyed the agricultural potential of this slightly undulating land by various non­

agricultural uses, by leaving it fallow for years. Subsidence due to mining activities disrupted

cultivation by the destruction of agricultural lands. These lands become unsuitable for all

uses unless reclaimed.

5.2.9 Mining industrial hazard in the Raniganj coalbelt

Mining and industrial hazard areas of Jharia and Raniganj coal fields respectively. These

maps in particular show areas affected by coal mine fire (as mapped Landsat-TM thermal

band imagery), subsidence, abandoned quarries and goaf.

Due to several limitation of remote sensing technique we could only delineating fire areas

from Landsat TM-Thermal band imagery but all other details as mentioned above have been

taken from published or unpublished maps/reports (permitted by the agencies). To certain

extent on false colour composite of visible bands imagery we could locate areas affected by

smoke plumes coming out of major industries. Temporal study of changing pattern in mine

fire areas and its relation with mining operations (dumping and excavation of coal) could not

be possible due to several constraints. The total areal coverage of the elements of mining

hazards are shown in table-5.29.

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TABLE 5.29: Mining hazards in the Raniganj coal belt

St. No.

1.

ElemenJs of Mining Hazards

High heat area (as delineated from Landsat-Thermal band Imagery)

2. Old fire area (Ground based data)

3. Subsidence

4. Abandoned Quarry

5. Goaf (Unsafe Residential area)

Total area Source: RRSSC report, 1991

5.2.10 Mine fires

Area occupied in Jharia Coalfield (JCF)

Total area 790 Juri

48 km2

13 km2

18 km2

10 km2

122 km2

Area occupied in Raniganj Coalf~eld (RCFJ

Total area 1430 knC

73 km2

2km2

20km2

8 km2

7km2

110 km2

One of the most important environmental hazard is mine fires. It is burnt million ton es of

coal and creates some severe problems in the mining environment. Mine fires in the Raniganj

coabelt has been discussed in the next chapter (chapter-VI) in details.

5.3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF MINING

The greatest impact on the social fabric of the region was caused by mass migrations of

labour in the past (RoyChaudhuri, 1996), and urbanization in the present (Lahiri-Dutt, 2001).

As colliery owners, often through recruiting organizations on contract basis imported

upcountry labour, the local tribal workers withdrew from the collieries. However, the post­

nationalization mining grov.th has been characteristic of a stupendous expansion of the urban

sector of the economy with all associated features such as decay of agriculture and narrowing

of survival bases at the local level.

5.3.1 Mining and urban growth

The extent and pace of urban growth in the region have been phenomenal .An extensive built

up area, running in an east-west direction for nearly 75 kilometres along the main transport

corridor, has emerged during the last two and a half decades. The narrow interfluves of the

Damodar-Ajoy is now a rapidly merging conurbation.

The Raniganj coalbelt has a higher level of urbanization than not only the national average, but

also those of the state and the district. Burdwan itself is one of the 82 districts of India recording

highest levels of urbanization as per the latest, 1991 Census reports (given in table-5.30).

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TABLE 5.30: Levels of urbanization, the Raniganj coalbelt, 1991

Name of country/ state/region India

West Bengal

Burdwan

Raniganj Coalbelt

Per cent urban to total population 25.51

27.48

35.09

67.27

The region contains 9.09 per cent of the urban population of West Bengal, a notable fact for a

state with a primate city like Calcutta having over ten million inhabitants in its metropolitan

district. The high level of urbanization is a recent phenomenon and is not only due to the

growth of industrial and commercial cities like Durgapur and Asansol-Kulti. The region also

has the largest number of new census towns of 1991; as many as 19 of the total 105 newborn

towns, and 13 of the total 48 urban outgrowths of West Bengal have been recorded in that

year (given in table-5.31).

TABLE 5.31: Urban growth: the Raniganj coalbelt, 1951-1991

Year Total %increase Urban population Level of %increase population in pop. urbanization in urban pop.

1951 663,140 204,712 30.87

1961 817,747 18.91 316,360 38.69 64.71

1971 941,452 13.14 465,996 49.50 67.89

1981 1,178,566 20.12 738,709 62.68 63.25

1991 1,765,171 33.23 1,222,660 69.27 60.42

The new urban units are mostly small, often not meeting, or just above, the minimum population

threshold of 5,000. Yet, they exhibit adequate urbanity with regard to their occupational

structures so as to justify their inclusion in the list of census towns. Whereas in 1971, there were

only three mining towns, namely Dishergarh, Jamuria and Ukhra, a distinct group of 38 mining

towns have emerged in 1991. These towns are characterized by an above average proportion of

their respective workforce engaged in mining and quarrying (figure-5.13).

There is no other industry except mining in the 78 mouzas where opencast mining operations is

being actively done or has only recently ceased. But the urban sprawls in this region have

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23° 3o·N

FIGURE · 5.13 86° •eo·e

;' ( CHITTA ?RANJAN

87° 1 O'E 87° '10'E 87° 120'E

.-or' I , I \

,./ ' •' I

•./ \ '

'f ' r BARABANI

SOME MINING TOWNS THE RANIGANJ COALBELT ... _,

(J ·-1 SALANPUR

.,~

' \

'2

I

\ ·1·.,, ' \ I I

'•- ("'<"' I ' ' I ... r..... .., , \ ' ,.

•••,,,''\,•• ) 27 I ,' ' ,..... }

( ASANSOL \J,-~'J JAMURIA I 33 • • 5 1 • 15r· •111 f

23!. IO'N

.,. .............. "' ............ ;J .... , ,.' ,•' ·..... ./> /'•

8 FARIDPU

, ...... ("" 1' 3 ...... ... R ' '- 8 14 .-• 8 \ 28 I I \•• ,.. 17 • • I I \ I te" I ,~ '• I I I I 4 J _, \ I l f' ··\ 22 ,. _$ 11 ' .. .. \ 40'N

1. Bhanwara 2. Kalthl 3. Kenda 4. Konardihl 5. Dalurband 6. Harlpur 7. Kajora 8. Chhora 9. Khandra 10. Sldull 11. Bahula 12. Retlbatl 13. Bankole

86°t50'E

\ ) .. 21 \ •' 1•, 28 ( • 24 • \ .... \ I • •• • 31"'·-"'i.. •,r..:. •10 • 28 e\3' )

14. Banal! 15. Kenkhya 16. Srlpur 27. 17. Begra 28. 18. Nlnge 29. 19. Amkul 30. 20. Nlmche 31. 21. Jemerl 32. 22. Satagram 33. 23. Mukundapur 34. 24. Madhusudanpur 35. 25. Dakshlnkhande 36. 26. Shankarpur 37.

87°1 O'E

1 33 • 20 r •32 • 8 ,1

• e38 1, 23 ,.,-J 34 I

1•., RANIGANJ \ 3~ ~,. ; I • <.. 71 • I ' '-.., I ~ () .12' 25 l J ~,,. .. j .......

'it.,0

I 1 r "~ 0-4 I j I

Parlharpur ~ ,' ONDAL " .,'""" Parasla 1

1

Chak Bankola ~ Dlshergarh Searsol Parascole Mandarbanl Sarpi Chapul Murgathaul Galdhoba

0

87° 110'E

5 10 km. 23° 3

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expanded rapidly. The 1991 census shows as many as 12 mouzas as non-municipal urban

areas. This urban sprawl at present covers 90.09 square kilometres (given in table-5.32). This is

a significant development related with mining expansion in recent years (figure-5.14 and 5.15).

TABLE 5.32: Urbanized area

Nameof the Area (sq. km.)

urban centre (NM2 according to 1991 census

Dalurbandh 7.59

Haripur 2.50

ChakBankola 1.78

Chhora 5.64

Paraskol 6.80

Siarsol 8.52

Bhanowara 2.63

Kenda 7.95

Parasia 4.50

Jamuria 6.22

Kulti-Barakar 25.63

Kajora 10.33

Total 90.09

Nature of urban growth: Urban growth is simply the absolute increase in urban population.

In the study area urban growth has been tremendous during last two decades. During 1981-

1991 there are eight towns Kulti-Barakar, Niamatpur, Dishergarh, Guskara, Behula, Parasia,

ChakBankola and Khandra have registered very high growth rate. Dishergarh one of the

growing non-municipal urban centre of this region has recorded highest growth performance

during 1981-1991 in entire West Bengal. Some towns like Durgapur, Asansol, Bumpur,

Ondal, Ukhra, Hindusthan Cables, C hora have sole moderate growth in 1991 census.

5.3.2 Increasing the crime activities and loss of the moral values

Crime levels have risen to a great extent and the criminalization of the displaced peasantry has

been the most common response to the regional social and economic problems. A degraded

environment has foreclosed alternative employment opportunities especially in the forestry and

agricultural sector, leading the poorer people to criminal activities. This is so because

environmental degradation has affected especially the common property resources such as land

and water on which depend the subsistence and wellbeing of the poorer groups. Privatization of

117

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'N

0 ._______,______._ ___ _. _ ______.

,..

50'E 87°

FIGURE - 5.14 87° 110'E

URBAN SPRAWL THE RA.NIGANJ COALBEL T

1971-91 (CENSUS DATA)

II-

0 5 10 km.

0

87°

~1971

rnmJ 1991

9. \)

\ /

&G'N

23°

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88° I!SO'E 87°1 O'E

N

8!5°1 !SO'E 87°1 O'E

FIGURE - 5.15 87° 110'E 87° 120'E

ACTUAL BUll T UP AREA The Raniganj Coalbelt

IRS·1 C·LISS·III

Jan, 1996

f.. M U ~ I

87° 110'E

SO'N

23°

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the commons by the public sector mining company has thus transfonned entire communities

into environmental refugees who try to eke out a living by unlawful means.

5.4 OTHER IMP ACTS

Mining operations may generally be categorized as either surface or underground. Surface

mining may be broadly defined to encompass open pit, open cast, quarry, strip, .· . and

placer (hydraulic) mining. Underground mining includes a range of methods such as cut-and­

fill, pillar-and-stop, shrinkage stop, block caving, and long wall mining. Most mining

operations (whether surface or underground) share a number of common stages or activities,

each of which have potentially adverse impacts on the natural environment, social and

cultural conditions, or the health and safety of mine workers, or communities in the environs

of the mine. These adverse impacts may be especially severe when mining takes place in

areas occupied or utilized by indigenous peoples. Mining and its related activities fall into the

following categories:

• Exploration

• Extraction and disposal of waste rock, and so forth

• Tailings containment, treatment, and disposal

• Infrastructure, access, and energy

• Construction work camps and operational town sites.

The potential adverse impacts of each of these activities (including impacts on air quality,

hydrology and water quality, ecology and bio-diversity, social and cultural conditions, human

health, natural resources, and infrastructure) are, briefly discussed below. While the most

obvious impacts may occur in the immediate vicinity of the mine and waste dumps,

ecosystems and communities far distant may be impacted in the ca-,e of reverie disposal of

waste and by the transportation of coal over long distances. Such factors need to be taken

into consideration in determining the aerial extent of any environmental and social studies.

Exploration activities: Exploration activities encompass all actions m the field which

precede feasibility studies. This might include initial reconnaissance flights and geophysical

surveys, stream sediment studies and other geochemical surveys, construction of access

roads, clearing of test drilling sites, installation of drill pads and drilling rigs, benching,

trenching/pitting, erection of temporary accommodations, and power generation for

118

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exploratory drilling. The potential environmental implications of exploration depend on a

number of factors, notably the following:

• Construction of new access routes

• Proximity of surface waters to drill sites (particularly those used for potable water

abstraction)

• Ecological significance of affected habitat, and the extent to which access has been

improved as a result of exploration

• Proximity to and intrusion upon existing settlements or resources utilized by local or

indigenous people

• Extent to which local or indigenous communities are voluntarily isolated, or have

been exposed to diseases prevalent among exploration workers.

• The potential significance of the environmental and social disruption associated with

exploration has often not been recognized, although experience suggests that this is

increasingly the first point of conflict on many such issues. Exploration impacts may

be controlled by measures such as restricting land clearance to the minimum required,

removal or disabling of access infrastructure, use of helicopter access for personnel

and equipment wherever practicable, developing plans for managing contact with

local communities, and rehabilitation of abandoned exploration sites.

119


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