Coal Mining and Indigenous Communities: А Case Study of Jharia Coalfields

Abstract

Mining is indispensable for the individual, for the society, and for the development of the nations. Unfortunately, mining procedures and operations are often associated with health hazards and environmental deterioration. Present study has been attempted from a socio-economic point of view and the dynamics of the environment of the coal-mining region has been focused upon while keeping in mind what Gerasimov has said, "The purview of ecological approach has been enlarged to digest relevant information and results of studies in biology, sociology and anthropology etc. under such a changed set-up, Geography has equally emphasized aspects of spatial variation and relationship and biological science are no more the sole custodian of ecological approach it has rather displayed a well-marked tendency to become in other fields of science". This study has come up with issues related to harmful effects of mining and how trace elements influence the local environment and may affect human healt)