Ranchi/pakur::An analysis of the social, economic and environmental consequences of coal mining in Pakur and Dumka districts of the Santhal Pargana region of Jharkhand.
Coal mining activities in the Pachuwara coalfield, located in the Santhal Pargana region of Jharkhand, have significantly affected the lives and livelihoods of local communities, particularly the tribal population. Land acquisition, displacement, environmental degradation and the destruction of traditional sources of livelihood have emerged as serious challenges in the region.
To assess these impacts, a survey was
conducted by the Centre for Tribal Research and Development, New Delhi, in the districts of Pakur and Dumka. The objective of the survey was to examine the social, economic and environmental consequences of mining activities in the affected areas.
Survey Methodology and Coverage
The study covered 12 villages where land has been acquired for the Pachuwara coal mining projects. Out of these, three villages have already been displaced, while in the remaining villages compensation has been paid but complete displacement has not yet taken place.
Information regarding the impacts of mining was collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and interviews with informed villagers. In addition, a detailed survey of 221 households across 23 gram panchayats located along the Dumka–Sahibganj and Amrapara–Maheshpur–Pakur roads was carried out. These villages are directly affected by the transportation of coal.
Overview of Pachuwara Coalfield
The Pachuwara coalfield is an important part of the Rajmahal Coalfield, spread across the Pakur and Dumka districts of Jharkhand. Coal extraction in this region is mainly carried out through opencast mining.
Currently, mining operations are ongoing in the Pachuwara Central and Pachuwara North mines located in the Amrapara block of Pakur district. Meanwhile, mining activities are planned in the Pachuwara South mine located in the Gopikandar block of Dumka district.
The entire area falls under the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act, 1949, and is also part of the Fifth Schedule area of the Indian Constitution, which provides special protections for tribal communities.
Displacement and Role of Gram Sabhas
Residents of villages that have already been displaced have alleged that the consent of the Gram Sabha was not obtained in a genuine or transparent manner. Many villagers claimed that they were not adequately informed about the decision-making process related to displacement.
In villages affected by the Pachuwara South project, residents stated that information about land acquisition was provided during a meeting organized by the revenue department, with only a few days’ notice given to the villagers.
Compensation and Rehabilitation
According to the survey, compensation rates in the affected villages have been extremely low. For instance, landowners in Dangapara reportedly received around Rs 3 lakh per acre, while in Sakalma the compensation was about Rs 4.1 lakh per acre.
Villagers also alleged that promises of employment made by mining companies have largely remained unfulfilled. As a result, many displaced families are now facing serious
livelihood challenges.
In addition, several tribal families cultivating forest land did not receive compensation during land acquisition because they had not been granted ownership rights under the Forest Rights Act.
Environmental and Health Impacts
The survey revealed that 96 percent of the surveyed families reported regular exposure to coal dust and smoke due to mining and transportation activities. Around 62 percent of the families also complained about the deterioration in the quality of drinking water.
Many households reported an increase in health problems, including water-borne diseases, eye irritation and other respiratory issues.
Impact on Agriculture and Livestock
Coal transportation and mining activities have significantly affected agricultural production in the region. Several families reported that farmlands located along transportation routes have become unsuitable for cultivation.
Incidents of livestock deaths and property damage due to high-speed coal trucks were also reported by villagers.
Conclusion
The study clearly indicates that coal mining activities in the Pachuwara coalfield have had far-reaching social, economic and environmental consequences for local communities, particularly tribal populations. Issues such as land acquisition, displacement, loss of livelihoods and environmental pollution have deeply affected the lives of villagers.
In this context, it is essential that mining projects ensure genuine participation of Gram Sabhas, provide fair compensation and proper rehabilitation, and adopt effective measures to mitigate environmental and social impacts.
(Source: Centre for Tribal Research and Development, New Delhi)
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