Journal of Geological Society of India (Online archive from Vol 1 to Vol 78)

Rekha Ghosh ¹

Affiliations
1 Centre for Studies of Mining Environment, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad 826004, IN

Abstract

The Jharia Coalfield. throughout its past mmmg history, never had any well- thought-out regional master plan for mining, or any plans of environmental reclamation/ protection. As a result, the environment of this mining area is damaged by various undesirable impacts of mining, a major part of which was caused before nationalisation of coal mining industry in India. Some such impacts on land use and related features caused by mining and associated activities have been analysed and the overall impact index has been calculated through preparation of an impact matrix. The impact index, thus calculated through impact matrix, is considerably high and of a nagative value. The adoption of a land-use management plan is urgently needed.

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Rekha Ghosh ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of App. Geology, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad-826 004, IN

Abstract

Some countries have enacted specifiic legislations for landuse management in mining areas. The position in India is causing serious concern and the Government has taken active interest to control land degradation. One among various protective measures taken in India is aforestation, because, green-belts, other than agriculture, have enviornmental utility. Landuse management in mining areas is concerned mainly with environmental degradation due to mining, the focal subject being waste disposal and quarry and goaf filling.

Landuse management schemes taken up by some mining areas in India have been discussed. As a specific case, the Jharia Coalfield has been studied in detail. A landuse map of the area has been prepared based on study of aerial photographs and maps. The landuse management scheme suggested in India has not yet been properly implemented. Some steps to help the rapid development of the scheme has been suggested.

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