CHAPTERV COAL MINING IMPACT ON THE...
Transcript of CHAPTERV COAL MINING IMPACT ON THE...
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
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
68
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
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
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
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.
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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
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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.
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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
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
.,., .. , ,...
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 ..
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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°
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
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.
89
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.
90
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:;.._,
/
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
91
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
92
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.
93
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
94
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
95
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
96
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.
97
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
98
(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
99
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
100
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
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
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
(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
" I'\ \.)
~
E 87°1 O'E
FIGURE- 5.10
FOREST MAPPING THE RANIGANJ COALBELT
1971
f~ .. ~~f:~
V"l./ ~
50'N
23°
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
111
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
112
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.
113
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.
114
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).
115
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
116
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
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
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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°
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°
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
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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.
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