Why in News

• A report titled “Regulating Coal Operations: Environmental and Social Impacts through the Lens of the NGT” was released on 26 August 2025 in New Delhi.

• Key points:

  • Coal will remain important for India’s energy for many years.

  • Coal causes serious health and environmental problems.

  • The report calls for more community involvement and health studies in coal mining regions.

Why India Depends on Coal

• Energy Security

  • Coal provides more than 70% of India’s electricity (2022–23).

  • Large reserves (~350 billion tonnes) reduce dependence on imported fuels.

• Supports Industry

  • Coal-based power runs steel, cement, fertiliser, aluminium, and railways.

• Cheaper and Already Built

  • Coal plants cost less to build and last longer.

  • India already has big railway and transport systems for coal.

• Jobs for Millions

  • Mining provides work in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal.

  • A quick coal exit would hurt many families.

• Renewables Are Not Fully Reliable

  • Solar and wind are growing but cannot provide power 24×7 yet.

  • Coal ensures steady “baseload” electricity.

• Transition Is Hard

  • India lacks enough money, technology, and plans to shift workers and communities smoothly away from coal.

Environmental and Health Problems

• Air Pollution

  • Dust levels are five times higher than safe limits (examples: Jharia, Ennore).

• Water Pollution

  • Fly ash leaks pollute rivers and damage soil.

• Loss of Forests and Animals

  • Mining destroys forests and wildlife corridors.

• Health Issues

  • Lung diseases, silicosis, and nerve problems from fly ash and metals.

• Loss of Livelihoods

  • Farming, fishing, and cattle grazing decline, leading to poverty and migration.

Weakness in Governance

• Pollution rules are often ignored (example: Ennore plant).

• Farmers get little or delayed compensation (examples: Mejia, Chandrapur).

• Tribals and forest dwellers are not properly included in decisions under the Forest Rights Act (2006).

• Communities rarely have a real voice in decision-making.

Key Suggestions in the Report

• Add Health Impact Assessments along with Environmental studies.

• Involve locals, NGOs, and experts in monitoring coal projects.

• Regularly check air, water, soil, and people’s health through independent audits.

• Treat clean-up and restoration as urgent government tasks.

• Plan for a “just transition”:

  • Protect workers.

  • Provide skill training.

  • Create alternative livelihood options.

Way Forward

• Grow other energy sources: solar, offshore wind, and green hydrogen.

• Create a Just Transition Fund to support workers and families in mining areas.

• Make health studies compulsory in project approvals.

• Strengthen NGT and Pollution Boards with community powers.

• Reuse coal waste (fly ash in cement, bricks, and roads).

• Use international funds like G-20, Green Climate Fund, and JETP to support the energy shift.

Conclusion

• Coal will remain important for India’s energy in the coming decades.

• But ignoring communities and weak rules will make health and environmental costs very high.

• India must balance energy security, people’s welfare, and climate goals.