This project emphasizes the environmental dangers of burning fossil fuels, especially coal, currently facing scrutiny. Coal mining projects in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, & Odisha raise concerns about forest destruction. It's crucial to consider renewable energy as a viable alternative & evaluate India's position in this critical transition. These coal mining projects, spanning vast areas in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra, Surguja & Surajpur districts in Chhattisgarh, & villages in Odisha, have had severe consequences. Apart from releasing significant greenhouse gases, they forcefully displace tribal communities, erasing their cultural heritage & traditional lifestyle. The upcoming coal mines in Chandrapur alone would clear up 3,350 hectares of reserve forests. Similarly, the Parsa coal mine in Chhattisgarh would deforest 410.909 hectares, causing the removal of 40,000 trees in one of Odisha's villages.
Tribal communities have been the custodians of these forests for generations, relying on them for their livelihoods. In Jharia, India's oldest coal mining area, coal mining has caused severe health problems, poverty (39.1% rate), & exploitation, forcing even children to work as mine laborers, and sacrificing education.
To reverse this trend & secure humanity's future, transitioning to renewable energy is paramount. India has made significant progress in this direction, with solar & wind energy emerging as the key alternatives to coal. As of September 2021, India's total installed renewable energy capacity, which includes solar, wind, bioenergy, & small hydro, had surpassed 100 gigawatts (GW).
Solar power has been a game-changer, & India ranks among the world's leading countries in solar power installations. Both utility-scale solar farms & rooftop installations have gained momentum across the country. Similarly, wind energy has been another success story, with states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, & Rajasthan contributing significantly to India's renewable energy mix. Investments in wind farms, solar parks, hydroelectric dams, & grid integration are crucial for further accelerating the renewable energy revolution. The Indian government's support & regulation play a vital role in promoting clean energy while discouraging the use of fossil fuels. Such initiatives pave the way for a better, more sustainable future.
In conclusion, the perils of coal mining are evident in the devastating impact on the environment, communities, & health. India recognizes the significance of renewable energy & has made significant strides in harnessing solar & wind power. To build a cleaner, greener future, we must continue to invest in & embrace renewable energy sources. Together, we can create a brighter & more sustainable India for generations to come.
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April 07 2023 Chhattisgarh s Surguja district shows deep forest clearing due to coal mine expansion The state government granted final approval on April 6 2022 for the non-forestry use of 841 538 hectares of forest land in Surguja and Surajpur districts allowing the establishment of the Parsa coal mine Unfortunately 300 trees were already cut down before local opposition could be raised Forest rights of tribals over their traditional lands in Ghatbarra village of Surguja were taken away by the state officials to facilitate coal mining there Extensive deforestation in Maharashtra Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh Jharkhand and Odisha due to coal extraction is harming biodiversity and contributing to climate change Mining companies displace tribal communities from their coal-rich lands without adequate compensation or rehabilitation leading to social issues and loss of livelihoods Deforestation also affects the health of the people causing respiratory problems and water contamination Jharia exemplifies the negative impact of coal mining with exploited children working in hazardous conditions Transitioning to renewable energy requires investment in infrastructure and government regulations promoting clean sources and discouraging fossil fuels
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March 25 2022 A tribal villager is standing in front of an opencast coal mine After the tribal forest was cleared for creating opencast coal mines people were shifted to other places along with their families
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April 07 2023 An indigenous woman stands in the forest which will soon be cut down due to coal mine expansion in Surguja district Chhattisgarh The Chhattisgarh Forest Department initiated a tree-clearing operation in order to facilitate the commencement of the Parsa coal mining project within the Surguja division This endeavor elicited robust resistance from the local inhabitants compelling the authorities to suspend their activities following the felling of 300 trees in 2022 In the year 2023 an additional 200 000 trees have been designated for removal as part of the mine s expansion efforts The ongoing struggle of the tribal community to protect the forest from the encroachment of mining activities remains unabated
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March 24 2022 Coal mine expansion is being done by cutting forests in Chhattisgarh s Surguja district In the second phase of the Parsa East Kente Basan PEKB coal mine tree felling has commenced in the Pendramar-Ghat Barra forest by the forest department This mining activity in the environmentally delicate area would lead to the loss of 1 70 000 hectares of forest consequently causing conflicts between humans and wildlife
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March 24 2022 The Gevra Cone Mine in Korba district Chhatrisgarh is Asia s largest coal mine As of 2011 it has a capacity of 35 million tonnes per annum Extensive deforestation in Maharashtra Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh Jharkhand and Odisha due to coal extraction is harming biodiversity and contributing to climate change Mining companies displace tribal communities from their coal-rich lands without adequate compensation or rehabilitation leading to social issues and loss of livelihoods Deforestation also affects the health of the people causing respiratory problems and water contamination Jharia exemplifies the negative impact of coal mining with exploited children working in hazardous conditions Transitioning to renewable energy requires investment in infrastructure and government regulations promoting clean sources and discouraging fossil fuels
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January 17 2022 Nearby Beauty Devi s An illegal coal miner village coal is being burnt in order to procure coking coal Jharkhand s Jharia remains the most important coal mine in India With its largest reserves mining has become a source of income for the poor local villagers They are so poor that their children suffer from malnutrition In spite of that they are forced to send their little ones to work in the dangerous mine which is a common ground for underground fires suspension of poisonous gases and pollution etc Additionally illegal mining activities have made their conditions even worse The poor villagers are forced to sell their children to the coal mining mafias With every passing day the sufferings of the poor lot are worsening More and more of the village population are getting associated with this illegal mining for less than 2 USD even after knowing the risks to their life
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March 26 2022 A boy is walking in front of a Thermal Power Plant in Chhattisgarh s Korba district It is also called one of the coal-based power plants of the National Thermal Power Corporation NTPC The coal for the power plants is sourced from the Kusmunda and Gevra mines Extensive deforestation in Maharashtra Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh Jharkhand and Odisha due to coal extraction is harming biodiversity and contributing to climate change Mining companies displace tribal communities from their coal-rich lands without adequate compensation or rehabilitation leading to social issues and loss of livelihoods Deforestation also affects the health of the people causing respiratory problems and water contamination Jharia exemplifies the negative impact of coal mining with exploited children working in hazardous conditions Transitioning to renewable energy requires investment in infrastructure and government regulations promoting clean sources and discouraging fossil fuels
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August 02 2023 A technician is inspecting solar panels at a solar grid in Satjelia island Sundarbans Satjelia Island is very particular about the maintenance of solar grids Between 2011 and 2012 the global non-profit organisation World Wildlife Fund WWF established four solar DC microgrids and one solar AC microgrid in villages located on Satjelia Island After cyclone Amphan in 2020 these microgrids stood out as a vital and reliable energy source unlike the rest of the Sundarbans region which experienced prolonged darkness
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August 02 2023 A technician is inspecting a battery at a solar grid in Satjelia Island Sundarbans Previously there had been instances of Sundarban missing chances on losing carbon footprint as the solar panels installed then were neglected not properly maintained in Mousuni island defunct since 2013 The solar panels are now thoroughly frequently checked for These solar panels provide a consistent constant supply of 5 hours day of electricity in the households
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July 14 2023 A worker strides through the vast expanse of India s largest wind farm in Jaisalmer Rajasthan With an impressive installed capacity of 1 064 MW this onshore wind park stands as one of the world s largest operational wind farms Crossing the 1 GW milestone the 24 towering Suzlon S97 2100 turbines generate a total nominal power of 50 400 kW Amidst the desert landscape the Jaisalmer Wind Park harnesses nature s power paving the way for sustainable energy and a greener future
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July 16 2023 A farmer is working in his cultivated land in front of a windmill in Jaisalmer Rajasthan Standing tall with an installed capacity of 1 064 MW this wind park ranks among the world s largest operational onshore wind farms Crossing the 1 GW mark it has earned the distinction of being India s largest of its kind The 24 grand turbines Suzlon S97 2100 harness the breeze with power and grace generating a total nominal power of 50 400 kW Amidst the winds of change the Jaisalmer wind park symbolizes a future powered by renewable energy where traditional farming and modern technology blend seamlessly
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February 18 2023 A mother and her son are carrying solar panels in Ghoramara island to install them in their house A solar project to enable all the 900-odd households on the island to get electrified within around one a half years has been approved by the Centre s Department of Science Technology DST IIT Kharagpur Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute Durgapur will implement the Rs 4 5-crore project monitor it for the first five years Electrical connection will be provided to all families from the 250kw power plant
