Unbridled coal extraction and concerns for livelihood: evidences from Odisha, India

Abstract

Coal mining and its unfavourable consequences have generated global attention. It has further stimulated the paradoxical debate of development and desolation in the contemporary scenario. Since the coal resources are profusely available in India and it is comparatively less expensive, the country has been largely relying on it for its essential and non-essential consumption needs. Coal resources indirectly fulfil many of the modern requirements and comforts. Consequently, mining of minerals in general and coal in particular has become the prime focus. It helps to generate revenue, augment industrialisation and promote employment opportunities in India. Despite these progressive features, the opencast coal mining activities impose serious threats to the livelihood of the local communities. Based on critical review of the relevant literature, the article seeks to exhibit the mineral reserves and coal mining activities at global, national and regional context. The paper has incorporated a special focus on Odisha—a resource-rich state located in eastern part of India. Particularly, the two existing major coalfields—Talcher and Ib valley, situated in western part of the state—have been emphasised. The manifold adverse externalities of the coal mining practices on the livelihood pattern among the affected people have been assessed. Furthermore, the paper aims to examine the mining-induced threats on different livelihood capitals which has given rise to multiple risks and challenges.

Assessing environmental health impacts of coal mining exploitation in Iran: A Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM) approach for environmental protection

“…Therefore, the results confirm Ogbonna's views [44] that although coal mining brings wealth to communities, it also destroys the environment. In a study by Paltasingh et al, (2023) [45] it was shown that coal mining brings economic benefits, but it can endanger the health of the environment, humans, and society [45]. In a study by De Valck et al, (2021) it was shown that environmental protection has more economic effects than coal mining because in the long term, coal mining can destroy the climate of a region and destroy local communities [46].…”

Environmental Impact of Coal Mining on Local Livelihoods in Odisha, India

“…The following literature focuses on the impact of mining on the environment and local livelihoods in general and coal mining in particular. Paltasingh and Satapathy (2021) tried to show the negative effects of coal mining activities. It has a detrimental effect on different sources of livelihoods.…”

CSR practices and Sustainable Development Goals: Exploring the connections in Indian context

“…The country has undertaken development efforts over the past years to alleviate diverse socioeconomic difficulties (The NITI Aayog, 2017). 1 However, with the passage of time several emerging challenges like rising population explosion, environmental deterioration, loss of flora and fauna, climate change, social tension and conflicts, growing urbanization and pollution, health hazard, speedy depletion of natural resources, increasing disparity, and lagging human development indices have become perceptible (Kumi et al, 2014; Paltasingh & Satapathy, 2021). The adoption of SDGs provided a definite roadmap to systematically overcome the emerging concerns.…”