The Ministry of Coal on July 27, 2021 has issued the measures to reduce pollution during Transportation & to check illegal mining of Coal. Coal mining operations have some impact on environment in terms of change in land use pattern, dust, air, water and noise pollution.
The following control measures adopted by CIL for Air Pollution caused due to transportation of Coal:
• Low-capacity tippers (10-12 Tonne) are progressively being replaced by large tippers (35 tonne) to reduce the number of trips resulting in reduction in air pollution levels.
• Roads are black-topped, coal carrying trucks are optimally loaded and covered with tarpaulin.
• Mobile water sprinklers are deployed along the haul roads.
• Projects have started implementing effective methods for dust control on roads by deploying Road sweeping machines.
• Tree plantation:
i. Plantation on inactive OB Dumps is done to minimize soil erosion;
ii. Tree Plantation is done around the source of air pollution like mine, infrastructure and roads to reduce air pollution;
iii. Green belt has been provided around the mine as well as residential colony for noise attenuation
Illegal mining of coal is reported to be carried out mainly from abandoned mines, shallow coal seams situated at remote/isolated places from the mines and are scattered over a large area. Following steps are taken by Coal India Limited to check Illegal mining of coal:
• Concrete walls have been erected on the mouth of the abandoned mines to prevent access and illegal activities in these areas.
• Surprise raids/checks being conducted jointly by security personnel and law and order authorities of the concerned State Government.
• Dumping of the overburden is being done on the outcrop zones.
• Installation of check-posts at vulnerable points.
• Training of existing security/CISF personnel, refresher training and basic training of new recruits in security discipline for strengthening the security setup.
• Maintaining close liaison with the State authorities.
The Government of India has launched one mobile app namely “Khanan Prahari” and one web app Coal Mine Surveillance and Management System (CMSMS) for reporting unauthorized coal mining activities so that monitoring.
