Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper


Vol.30, October, Suppl. Issue, 2024

Page Number: S427-S435

COAL WASTE DUMPING, MINE RECLAMATION AND PIT LAKE MANAGEMENT IN THE OPEN CAST MINES OF TIKAK AND TIRAP COLLIERY, TINSUKIA DISTRICT, ASSAM, INDIA

Neha Kumari Prasad, Rashika Bhattacharyya and Parijat Borgohain

Abstract

Coal or black gold usually occurs in layers known as coal seams. The coal reserves of India are of tertiary origin and are of peat, sub-bituminous and bituminous nature. The Tirap and Tikak coalfields are the largest coalfields of Ledo-Margherita area in the District of Tinsukia. While Tikak coalfield is operational, Tirap has been closed on environmental grounds. Both the coalfields have undergone the activity of mine reclamation and pit lake formation. Coal waste mountains extensively mark the landscape. The Rat-Hole mining is also operational in the area resulting in illegal mining and unpredictable fires due to oxidation and release of poisonous gases. Deliberate efforts by the mining authorities have been seen in the management of the mines. The process of mine reclamation has already begun in both the coalfields and there has been a significant transformation after the plantations took place. The barren lands are planted once the mining gets completed for the zone. A unique feature of surface mine is the presence of pit lakes. They are the lakes formed in the depressions caused by mining and often coincide with the level of the ground water table. These lakes are filled with ground water, precipitation, water from mountains and other surface run-off. They have high potential in serving the aquatic needs of nearby communities, recreation and provides home to flora and fauna if taken utmost care of. Case study approach has been chosen to understand the sustainability efforts of the mines. The effectiveness of mine reclamation has been studied to understand its present and future benefits. Pit lakes and its role in aquatic sustainability have been analyzed as they are basically created and regulated to mitigate environmental impacts from mining operations. Pit lakes are being seen as an important site to have its inclusion in the Ramsar list in India. These efforts are leading its way towards green mines and sustainability.