How Many Coal Mines are There in Nagaland? Exploring the State’s Mining Industry

Gain insight into how many coal mines there are in Nagaland, their locations, and how they affect the economy and environment.

Nagaland is a Northeast Indian state recognised for its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. But did you know that Nagaland also has a substantial amount of natural resources, such as coal? For decades, coal mining has been an important element of Nagaland’s economy, creating jobs and adding to the state’s budget. We shall look at the amount of coal mines in Nagaland, where they are, and how they affect the state’s economy and environment in this article. Come with me as we explore the coal mining world of Nagaland and learn about its significance.

Introduction:

Nagaland is a small state in Northeast India bordering Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Myanmar, and Manipur. Renowned for its cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, Nagaland also holds many natural resources – including coal. Coal mining has been an integral part of Nagaland’s economy for decades, creating employment opportunities and contributing to revenue generation. In this article, we’ll look into the number of coal mines presents there and their effect on form.

How Many Coal Mines Are There in Nagaland?

According to the Directorate of Geology and Mining of Nagaland, Nagaland boasts 16 coal mines across various state districts such as Dimapur, Kohima, Peren, and Mokokchung. These mines are operated jointly by both government and private actors.

Nagaland Coal Mines estimate their coal reserves to be 171 million tonnes. Most of this coal is sub-bituminous and used primarily in the cement industry. Surrounded by 10,000 hectares of resources, these reserves span across Nagaland’s terrain.

Impact of Coal Mining on Nagaland’s Economy:

Coal mining has profoundly affected Nagaland’s economy, creating employment opportunities and raising revenue for the state. Through direct and indirect employment creation, thousands have benefited directly and indirectly. Furthermore, this industry has helped develop infrastructure like roads and railways throughout the region.

According to Nagaland government estimates, revenue generated from coal mining in the state was around Rs 120 crore (US$ 15.7 million) for 2022-23. However, this income has decreased steadily over time due to the depletion of reserves and reduced demand for coal.

Impact of Coal Mining on Nagaland’s Environment:

The mining industry has had a profound effect on Nagaland’s environment. Deforestation, biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and water pollution due to mining operations have all had a detrimental impact. Furthermore, air pollution caused by mining activities also adversely affected local people’s health – leading environmentalists and policymakers to express concern over its effects.

Pro’s and Con’s

Pros	Cons
Provides employment opportunities	Causes environmental damage
Contributes to the state’s revenue	Releases harmful pollutants into the air and water
Helps meet energy demands	Causes health hazards for workers and nearby communities
Supports other industries, such as transportation and manufacturing	Can lead to land degradation and deforestation
Can increase access to electricity	Can displace indigenous communities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Conclusion:

Nagaland’s coal mining industry has significantly impacted the state economy, providing employment opportunities and raising revenue. Yet its environmental impact has been causing concern. Therefore, government and private actors must adopt sustainable mining practices to minimize their adverse effects and promote sustainable development. While there may only be a few coal mines in Nagaland, their collective impact on both economy and the environment must be noticed. Nagaland coal mines, coal mining industry, mining in Nagaland, Nagaland economy, environmental impact, employment opportunities, health hazards, energy demands, indigenous communities.