Subject: Environment & Ecology

Illegal mining has emerged as a significant environmental challenge, causing irreversible damage to ecosystems while undermining regulatory frameworks and sustainable resource management practices.

Consequences of Illegal Mining

Environmental Impacts:

• Severe deforestation and habitat fragmentation leading to biodiversity loss in critical ecosystems like the Aravallis and Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
• Accelerated soil erosion and land degradation affecting agricultural productivity and local livelihoods.
• Groundwater contamination and disruption of natural water systems through unregulated mining practices.

Socio-Economic Consequences:

• Substantial revenue losses for state governments due to tax evasion and illegal resource extraction.
• Recent seizures of 2,500 metric tonnes of illegal coal in Meghalaya and 46 tonnes in Odisha highlight the scale of the problem.
• Exploitation of local communities and violation of labor safety standards in unauthorized mining operations.

Legal and Administrative Challenges:

• Strain on law enforcement and judicial resources with Supreme Court interventions in multiple states.
• Undermining of environmental protection frameworks and regulatory mechanisms.
• Growing instances of contempt proceedings against state governments for non-compliance.

"GO AND NO GO" Zones Concept

Definition and Purpose:

• Classification system introduced by the Ministry of Environment and Forests to regulate coal mining activities.
• Aims to balance economic development with environmental conservation through systematic zoning.

Implementation Framework:

• "GO zones": Areas with lower ecological significance where controlled mining is permitted.
• "NO GO zones": Ecologically sensitive areas where mining activities are strictly prohibited.
• Based on parameters like forest cover density, biodiversity value, and wildlife corridors.

Challenges and Way Forward:

• Need for regular updating of zone classifications based on environmental assessments.
• Strengthening monitoring mechanisms through satellite surveillance and ground verification.
• Integration with broader conservation goals and sustainable development objectives.

The effective implementation of regulatory frameworks like "GO and NO GO" zones, coupled with stringent enforcement measures and community participation, is crucial for combating illegal mining while ensuring sustainable resource utilization. Success stories like Project Tiger and Forest Conservation Act demonstrate that balanced development is achievable through proper planning and execution.