Illegal mining poses a plethora of detrimental consequences that extend far beyond mere environmental degradation. The unregulated extraction of valuable minerals and resources not only ravages delicate ecosystems but also fuels corruption, exacerbates social unrest, and undermines sustainable development efforts. From deforestation and soil erosion to water pollution and loss of biodiversity, the environmental toll of illegal mining is staggering, often irreversibly altering landscapes and disrupting fragile ecosystems. Moreover, the exploitation of natural resources without proper oversight perpetuates social injustice by disregarding the rights of indigenous communities and local populations who depend on these resources for their livelihoods. In response to this pressing issue, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has introduced the concept of “Go and No-Go” zones for coal mining, delineating areas where mining activities are permissible and areas where they are prohibited. This strategic approach aims to balance the need for economic development with environmental conservation, safeguarding ecologically sensitive regions while facilitating responsible mining practices in designated zones. By enforcing strict regulations and delineating clear boundaries, the government seeks to mitigate the adverse impacts of illegal mining while promoting sustainable resource management and fostering equitable socio-economic growth.
Tag: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Decoding the Question:
- In Intro, write the answer by defining the concept of mining.
- In Body,
- In first part of the answer, you need to write consequences of illegal mining
- In the second part of the answer, write the concept of “GO AND NO GO “zones.
- Try to conclude your answer as per context.
Answer:
Mining is an important economic activity which has the potential of contributing to the development of areas endowed with the resources. Materials recovered by mining include bauxite, coal, diamonds, iron, precious metals, lead, limestone, nickel, phosphate, rock salt, tin, uranium, and molybdenum. Mining in a wider sense can also include extraction of petroleum, natural gas, and even water.
Consequences of illegal mining:
- Toxic waste can be a very harmful effect of illegal mining.
- If the mining sites are near bodies of water, chemicals can also poison the water and the fish, it can also destroy beautiful coral reefs.
- Fertile land can also be affected, land can become very hard and dry because of the chemicals as well.
- Boiling toxic waste can cause burns on people living near the mining sites. The gas can also be very bad to take into your body.
- Also, if you build the mines on forest lands, the habitat of countless land species may be destroyed and those species may die.
To counter illegal mining, the Ministry of Environment Forest, and Climate Change (MOEFCC) has introduced “Go AND NO-GO ZONE” for mining areas.
- The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MOEFCC) has a stand against mining in coal fields demarcated ‘no-go’ zones.
- These zones are in the letter and spirit of the Forest Conservation Act.
- The present classification of coal blocks into the two categories. This time, 23.27 per cent of the area was declared a no-go zone.
- The coal that may be extracted from the coal-bearing areas that have not been classified as category A (no-go zone).
- The purpose of the initiative was to speed up clearances for coal mining, sustainably increasing coal production.
The NO GO ZONE created by MOEFCC is a response to the illegal coal mining which needs to be addressed under this policy. There is a need for strict policies and monitoring illegal mining. The District Mineral Foundation can be used to keep watch on illegal mining and report to the nearby police stations to take actions against illegal miners.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
