Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Illegal mining, the extraction of minerals without proper licenses or adherence to environmental regulations, poses a significant threat to India’s natural resources and sustainable development. It’s a pervasive issue, particularly in mineral-rich states, driven by demand from industries and often facilitated by corruption. The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), recognizing the severe ecological consequences, introduced the ‘Go and No-Go’ zoning framework in 2009 for coal mining areas. This policy aimed to balance economic development with environmental protection by categorizing forest lands based on their ecological sensitivity.
Consequences of Illegal Mining
Illegal mining has far-reaching consequences across multiple dimensions:
- Environmental Degradation: Deforestation, soil erosion, water contamination (through sedimentation and chemical runoff), loss of biodiversity, and habitat destruction are common outcomes. For example, illegal iron ore mining in Karnataka (2006-2011) led to widespread deforestation and pollution of the Tungabhadra River.
- Economic Losses: Loss of revenue for the government due to unpaid royalties and taxes. It also creates unfair competition for legitimate mining companies.
- Social Impacts: Displacement of local communities, disruption of livelihoods, increased human trafficking, and health problems due to pollution. The Kudremukh Iron Ore Mining Company case in Karnataka highlighted the displacement of tribal communities.
- Security Concerns: Illegal mining often fuels conflicts and provides funding for illegal activities, including Naxalism in certain regions.
The ‘Go and No-Go’ Zones Policy
In 2009, the MoEF introduced the ‘Go and No-Go’ zoning framework for coal mining, aiming to identify areas suitable for mining while protecting ecologically sensitive zones. The policy categorized forest areas into two categories:
- No-Go Zones: These areas were deemed ecologically too sensitive for mining. They included areas with high biodiversity, critical wildlife habitats, and significant catchment values. Approximately 66% of the 66 coal blocks were initially classified as ‘No-Go’ zones.
- Go Zones: Areas with relatively lower ecological sensitivity were designated as ‘Go’ zones, where mining could be permitted with appropriate environmental safeguards.
Rationale behind the Policy
- Protecting Biodiversity: To safeguard ecologically fragile ecosystems and prevent irreversible damage to biodiversity.
- Ensuring Water Security: To protect vital watersheds and prevent water pollution.
- Upholding Forest Rights: To protect the rights and livelihoods of forest-dwelling communities.
Implementation and Challenges
The implementation of the ‘Go and No-Go’ policy faced significant resistance from the Ministry of Coal, which argued that it would severely hamper coal production and affect power generation. Several challenges emerged:
- Conflict between Ministries: A major point of contention was the differing priorities of the MoEF and the Ministry of Coal.
- Lack of Clear Criteria: The criteria for classifying areas as ‘Go’ or ‘No-Go’ were often ambiguous and subject to interpretation.
- Pressure from Industry: Powerful mining lobbies exerted pressure to relax the restrictions.
Current Status
The ‘Go and No-Go’ policy was effectively diluted in 2012, with the decision-making power shifted to a committee comprising representatives from various ministries. This committee adopted a more lenient approach, allowing mining in many areas previously classified as ‘No-Go’ zones. The policy was eventually superseded by more comprehensive environmental regulations and the introduction of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 2020 (though this is itself controversial).
Conclusion
Illegal mining continues to be a major challenge in India, with significant environmental, economic, and social consequences. While the ‘Go and No-Go’ policy was a well-intentioned attempt to balance development with environmental protection, its implementation was hampered by inter-ministerial conflicts and pressure from vested interests. A more robust and transparent regulatory framework, coupled with effective enforcement and community participation, is crucial to address this issue and ensure sustainable mining practices. The focus should be on strengthening environmental impact assessments and ensuring strict compliance with environmental regulations.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.