Editorial 1 : India’s illegal coal mining problem
Context
On July 13, three workers died of asphyxiation inside an illegal coal mine in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district.
The issue
- The Surendranagar incident is not an isolated case.
- There are other incidents of how illegal coal mining has led to worker fatalities in India.
- Coal in India was nationalised in two phases: first with the coking coal (used for the production of coke in the steel industry) in 1971-72; and then with the non-coking coal mines in 1973.
- The Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973 is the central legislation that determines eligibility for coal mining in India.
- Illegal mining constitutes a law and order problem, which is a State list subject. Hence, the onus of dealing with it falls on State governments rather than the Union government.
Why is illegal coal mining rampant in India?
- According to the Ministry of Coal, illegal mining in India is mostly carried out in abandoned mines or shallow coal seams in remote or isolated places. Several factors contribute to illegal coal mining in India.
- Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel in India, accounting for 55% of the country’s energy needs.
- The high demand for power in India translates into a high demand for coal, which often outstrips the legal supply, prompting illegal supply.
- Many areas that are rich in coal are also situated close to homes for populations struggling with poverty and unemployment, which contributes to illegal mining in these areas.
- In remote areas, mining regulations can be weak due to inadequate monitoring and lack of resources, leading to weaker enforcement.
- This can result in the rise of “coal mafias,” as has been alleged in multiple cases of illegal coal mining in India.
- Illegal coal mining also allegedly receives tacit support from political leaders in areas where it is prevalent, making it difficult to curb.
- Illegal mining is often carried out using rudimentary techniques like surface mining and rat-hole mining, rather than the scientific methods required for legal operations on a larger scale.
- In areas where coal seams are closer to the surface, illegal miners access them with limited safety equipment.
- Minimal operational costs can also turn into significant profits, making illegal mining lucrative.
Why do so many workers die in illegal coal mines?
- The lack of safety equipment and protocols is the primary reason for deaths during illegal coal mining.
- Miners face increased respiratory risks due to inhaling coal dust, and the lack of safety equipment significantly increases this risk.
- The miners in the Surendranagar incident also died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Illegal mines lack proper structural support to carry out the extraction of coal, making working conditions hazardous and vulnerable to cave-ins, landslides, and explosions.
- Workers may also be exposed to high levels of toxic substances like lead and mercury, which can cause acute poisoning or long-term chronic medical conditions.
- Several people who work in illegal coal mines are untrained for the job and for the risks it poses. There is a lack of proper training, quick response facilities, and knowledge in case of emergencies.
- Operator negligence and worker exploitation are also rampant in illegal coal mining.
Why do governments struggle to cut down illegal coal mining in India?
- Questions regarding illegal coal mining have been raised in the Parliament, but since it is a law and order issue, the Union government often shifts the blame to State authorities.
- A mix of economic, social, political, and regulatory factors makes it difficult for governments to shut down illegal coal mining in India.
- Illegal coal mining, by any means, is not a novelty. It has existed since before coal was nationalised and continues to exist in pockets in coal-rich areas or near abandoned mines.
- The high demand for coal as a fuel makes illegal mining rampant and challenging to control.
- Local economies in many areas depend on mining, and once official operations run their course, illegal mining takes its place to support the local community.
Conclusion
The legal framework governing mining is complex, which can possibly lead to bureaucratic hurdles and inefficiency in governance, allowing illegal mining to exist.
Editorial 2 : ‘Teaching mental well being will reduce suicides’
Context
A recent article in the Lancet has once again turned the spotlight on suicide. Psychiatrists have been talking about ways to reduce suicides but rue the fact that governments, state and central, have shown little interest.
Strategy to curb suicides
- A blueprint to stem suicides, the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, was launched in November 2022.
- The aim was to establish effective surveillance mechanisms for suicide within three years and establish psychiatric outpatient departments to provide suicide prevention services through the District Mental Health Programmes in all districts within the next five years.
- It called for integrating a mental well-being curriculum into all educational institutions within eight years.
- It also sought to develop guidelines for responsible media reporting of suicides and restrict access to the means for suicide.
Top killer
- In India, more than 1 lakh lives are lost annually to suicide, and it is the top killer in the 15-29 years category.
- From 2019 to 2022, the suicide rate increased from 10.2 to 11.3 per 1,00,000.
- The NSSP envisages a specific strategy for every state and district.
- The ministry of health, education, and agriculture in each state must have a task force.
- The health department should take the lead, but other departments like fertilisers, chemicals, information and broadcasting should also be represented in the task force.
- The education department should be included to promote emotional wellbeing.
- Soumitra Pathare, Director for Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy, one of the framers blames lack of political will.
‘Sense of fatality’
- There is a sense of fatality when we start talking about suicide prevention. Even a 20% drop in suicides would save 40,000 lives annually.
- The lack of will in the media to make conscientious efforts to educate themselves on reporting suicides.
- By talking about suicides we would be acknowledging the problem and try to find solutions.
- The present approach is piecemeal. We need a district wise programme that can bring about consistent results.
- The National Education Policy is good, but it has not been implemented.
- The vocational guidance programme and multiple exits, grade system, and the flexibility to make course changes are all good. But it has not been implemented.
- The policy changes do make a difference and these policies are there and need to be implemented.
- Tieing up NEP and NSPS, and by implementing the strategies deaths can be reduced.
Way forward
Suicides can be prevented with timely supportive action. Citizens must learn the skills of identifying someone with suicidal thoughts, asking them openly about their thoughts, talking to them without fear, and referring them to a caregiver who can complete a safety plan and provide suicide prevention counselling. These steps, if taken with care person, can save many lives at risk.
