The Western Ghats of India are a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India. It spanns six states and covering an area of approximately 140,000 square kilometers. The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot. The area is also home to several indigenous communities who have lived in harmony with the environment for generations.
Despite its ecological significance, the Western Ghats are also a target for mining activities due to their rich mineral resources. Mining companies are attracted to the Western Ghats for its deposits of minerals such as iron ore, bauxite, and manganese, among others. However, mining activities have raised concerns about their impact on the environment, local communities, and the economy.
Mining in the Western Ghats
Mining activities in the Western Ghats date back to the colonial era when the British established mines to extract minerals such as iron ore and manganese. After India gained independence, mining activities continued to expand, with companies seeking to exploit the rich mineral resources of the region.
Currently, mining activities in the Western Ghats are mainly concentrated in the states of Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. The primary minerals being extracted include iron ore, bauxite, manganese, chromite, and limestone, among others. Mining companies employ various methods of extraction, including open-pit mining, underground mining, and surface mining.
The Western Ghats are also home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, including the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and the Silent Valley National Park. Mining activities in these areas have raised concerns about the impact on the habitat of several endangered species, including the lion-tailed macaque, the Malabar giant squirrel, and the Indian elephant.
Overall, mining activities in the Western Ghats have had a significant impact on the ecosystem, and it is essential to carefully consider the long-term consequences of such activities. The next section will examine the ecological, social and economic impact of mining on the Western Ghats in more detail.
Ecological Impact of Mining on the Western Ghats
Mining activities in the Western Ghats have had significant ecological impacts, including soil erosion, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and damage to aquatic habitats. For instance, a study conducted by Kulkarni et al. (2019) in the Western Ghats of Karnataka found that mining activities had led to soil erosion and degradation, which could have long-term impacts on the soil’s fertility and the region’s agricultural productivity.
Deforestation is another significant impact of mining activities in the Western Ghats. The clearing of forests for mining operations can lead to habitat loss for many species and contribute to the region’s biodiversity loss. A study conducted by Jha et al. (2018) in the Western Ghats of Goa found that mining activities had led to the loss of several critical wildlife habitats, including the Western Ghats’ unique Myristica swamps.
Mining activities can also have significant impacts on aquatic habitats, including rivers and streams. For instance, a study conducted by Parvathy et al. (2017) in the Western Ghats of Kerala found that mining activities had led to water pollution and adversely impacted aquatic ecosystems, leading to the decline of many species.
Social Impact of Mining on the Western Ghats
Mining activities in the Western Ghats have had significant social impacts, including displacement, loss of access to natural resources, and health risks associated with pollution. The displacement of local communities is a significant impact of mining activities, with many residents being forced to leave their homes and lose their livelihoods. A case study conducted by the Centre for Social Justice (2017) in the Western Ghats of Goa found that mining activities had led to the displacement of several local communities, with many residents being forced to live in poverty and inadequate housing.
Mining activities can also lead to the loss of access to natural resources, such as forests, water bodies, and grazing lands. This can have a severe impact on the livelihoods of local communities who depend on these resources for their survival. A study conducted by Kulkarni et al. (2019) in the Western Ghats of Karnataka found that mining activities had led to the loss of grazing lands, impacting the livelihoods of pastoral communities.
Pollution associated with mining activities can also have significant health impacts on local communities. A study conducted by Singh et al. (2018) in the Western Ghats of Goa found that mining activities had led to increased air and water pollution, leading to a higher incidence of respiratory and skin diseases among local communities.
Economic Impact
Mining activities in the Western Ghats have had significant economic impacts, including employment opportunities, tax revenues, and foreign exchange earnings. Mining activities can create employment opportunities, particularly in the areas of mining, transportation, and logistics. A study conducted by Jena et al. (2016) in the Western Ghats of Karnataka found that mining activities had created employment opportunities for local residents.
Mining activities also generate tax revenues for governments, which can be used to fund public services such as healthcare and education. A study conducted by Ramachandra et al. (2013) in the Western Ghats of Karnataka found that mining activities generated significant tax revenues for the state government, which were used to fund various public services.
However, the economic benefits of mining must be weighed against the long-term costs and negative impacts on other industries. Mining activities can have significant negative impacts on tourism, which is another important
Legal Framework
The legal framework that governs mining activities in the Western Ghats is complex, involving multiple government agencies and environmental regulations. In India, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is responsible for granting environmental clearances for mining projects. Additionally, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a specialized court that hears cases related to environmental issues, including mining in the Western Ghats.
In addition to national laws, several state-level regulations govern mining activities in the Western Ghats. For example, in the state of Kerala, the Kerala Protection of River Banks and Regulation of Removal of Sand Act, 2001, regulates the extraction of sand from riverbanks and prohibits the use of heavy machinery for sand mining.
Despite the existence of these legal frameworks, there have been instances of illegal mining in the Western Ghats, leading to environmental damage and conflicts with local communities. In 2018, the NGT imposed a ban on sand mining in the state of Kerala due to illegal mining and environmental damage. The ban was lifted in 2019. However, there were restrictions on the amount of sand that can be extracted and the use of heavy machinery.
While these legal frameworks aim to regulate mining activities and minimize their environmental impact, their effectiveness has been questioned. Some critics argue that the regulatory agencies are underfunded. Moreover, they lack the capacity to effectively monitor and enforce regulations. In addition, there have been instances of corruption and political interference in the granting of environmental clearances for mining projects.
Conclusion
Overall, the legal framework that governs mining in the Western Ghats is complex and involves multiple government agencies and regulations. While there are laws and regulations in place to manage mining activities and minimize their environmental impact, the effectiveness of these measures is often questioned, and instances of illegal mining and environmental damage continue to occur.
Help us Help Them! Think Wildlife Foundation is a non profit organization with various conservation initiatives. Our most prominent campaign is our Caring for Pari intiative. Pari is a rehabilitated elephant at the Wildlife SoS Hospital. 25% of the profits from our store are donated to the elephant hospital for Pari. Other than buying our wonderful merchandise, you could donate directly to our Caring For Pari fundraiser.
Written by: Neenu K Nair