What is rat-hole mining
Rat-hole mining refers to the unsafe and illegal method of mining coal, prevalent in some regions of India.
Rat-hole mining is an unsafe and illegal method of coal mining that is prevalent in some regions of India. Here are the key points about rat-hole mining:
- Method: Rat-hole mining involves digging narrow tunnels or rat-holes into the ground to extract coal. These tunnels are usually just about two to three feet tall and are often barely wide enough for miners to crawl through.
- Safety concerns: The tunnels in rat-hole mines lack proper ventilation, which increases the risk of suffocation and exposure to toxic gases. The unstable tunnels are prone to cave-ins, leading to accidents and deaths. Lack of safety equipment and adherence to safety standards exacerbates the risks involved.
- Environmental impact: Rat-hole mining has severe environmental consequences. The tunnels are often dug underneath agricultural land and riverbeds, leading to soil erosion, water pollution, and damage to ecosystems.
- Illegal nature: Rat-hole mining is considered illegal as it violates mining regulations and safety standards. However, this method continues to be practiced clandestinely due to its ease and profitability.
- Legal actions: The Indian government has made efforts to curb rat-hole mining by implementing stricter regulations, imposing penalties, and conducting raids. However, enforcement and eradication of this practice remain significant challenges.
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