Coal Resources in India: Production, Impacts, and Challenges

Study Notes

Coal Resources in India

Introduction

India is the world's fourth largest coal producer and the third largest importer of coal, making it a significant player in the global coal market. Coal is a crucial fuel resource in India, supplying around 70% of the country's electricity output and serving as a primary source of revenue and employment generation. However, the utilization of coal resources in India has led to concerns about their impact on human capital, livelihoods, and the environment.

Production and Consumption

India produced approximately 675.4 million metric tons of coal between 2017-2018, with Gondwana and Paleogene-Neogene age coal reserves. Despite this significant production volume, the gap between domestic supply and demand continues to grow at an alarming rate, necessitating increased coal imports. In 2017-2018 alone, India imported 232.9 million metric tons of coal. This reliance on imported coal has been attributed to several factors, including insufficient land for new mines, challenges in transport infrastructure, and lower costs of imported high-energy coal compared to domestic coal.

Livelihood Impacts

Coal mining activities have serious implications for the livelihood of local communities, particularly those living near opencast coalmines. These underprivileged sections, such as indigenous people like tribal communities, often bear the brunt of these adverse impacts. The burning of coal is also responsible for 46% of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide, contributing significantly to climate change.

Challenges and Solutions

Addressing these issues requires addressing multiple aspects, from securing available land for new mines to improving transportation infrastructure and reducing dependency on foreign coal. For instance, the Indian government acknowledges the need to explore joint ventures between Coal India, Indian Railways, and various states to improve rail network connectivity. Furthermore, identifying vacant land for constructing new townships has proven challenging due to India's population growth and limited space availability.

In conclusion, while coal remains a vital resource for India's economic growth and development, it comes with numerous environmental and social challenges. Addressing these challenges will require concerted efforts from various stakeholders, including governments, industries, and local communities.

Description

Explore the production, consumption, livelihood impacts, and challenges associated with coal resources in India. Learn about the importance of coal as a fuel resource, its impact on local communities and the environment, and the measures needed to address these issues.

Coal Resources in India: Production, Impacts, and Challenges

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide is attributed to the burning of coal?

Which sector is mentioned as needing improvement to reduce dependency on foreign coal?

What partnership does the text suggest for enhancing rail network connectivity in India?

Why has identifying vacant land for constructing new townships in India proven challenging?

Who needs to be involved in addressing the challenges associated with coal burning according to the text?

What is India's ranking in global coal production?

What percentage of India's electricity output is supplied by coal?

What is the main reason for India's increased reliance on coal imports?

Which community is most adversely affected by coal mining activities in India?

What type of coal reserves are found in India?

Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to India's increased coal imports?

Study Notes