A Recurring Tragedy

A recent tragic incident in Assam’s Dima Hasao district brought attention to the dangers of rat-hole mining, with nine workers trapped underground, and only four bodies recovered after six days of rescue operations. This incident highlights the persistent issue of unsafe mining practices in India’s northeastern states, despite multiple efforts to ban the practice.

Recurring Tragedies from Rat-Hole Mining

• Fatal Mining Practices: Rat-hole mining, a dangerous and illegal method of coal extraction, has resulted in numerous fatalities over the years. The recent tragedy in Assam adds to a series of fatal accidents, including the 2018 Meghalaya incident where 15 miners died, underscoring the ongoing risks of the practice.
• Previous Failures in Enforcement: Despite the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banning rat-hole mining in 2014, the implementation of the ban has been largely ineffective. Meghalaya’s legislative resolution in 2015 requested exemption from central mining laws, allowing illegal mining to continue unchecked.
• Political Inaction: The reluctance of political authorities to fully enforce the NGT order has perpetuated the hazardous practice. State governments, backed by political forces, have failed to take significant steps to curb the mining activity, often overlooking safety regulations.

Government’s Role and Accountability

• State Government Responsibility: In 2022, the Minister of Mines stated that state governments are responsible for enforcing rules against illegal mining, including rat-hole mining. However, this passing of responsibility has not proven effective in stopping the practice or ensuring safety for miners.
• Economic Incentives for Miners: Rat-hole mining persists due to higher wages compared to government schemes like MGNREGA, especially in the northeastern states where coal layers are thin. This economic incentive keeps miners in dangerous conditions, despite the risks involved.
• Political-Bureaucratic Nexus: A strong nexus between local politicians and bureaucrats often leads to the overlooking of illegal mining activities, allowing them to operate without intervention. This lack of accountability has been a significant factor in the persistence of rat-hole mining.

Urgent Need for Action

• Implementation of NGT Order: There is a critical need for political will and strong action to enforce the NGT ban on rat-hole mining. Addressing the issue requires comprehensive efforts, including the strict implementation of laws and penalties for violations.
• Risk to Miners’ Lives: The recurring tragedies underline the urgent need for reform in the mining sector. Without effective regulation and enforcement, further loss of life is inevitable. Immediate steps must be taken to protect the lives of those working in these hazardous conditions.
• Political Commitment to Safety: A genuine commitment from political leaders, backed by administrative reforms, is essential to eliminate rat-hole mining and ensure the safety and well-being of workers. This is critical before more lives are lost in avoidable accidents.

Practice Question:

Q. Examine the challenges in enforcing the ban on rat-hole mining in northeastern India. What steps should the government take to address the issue of illegal mining and protect the lives of workers?