Context:
National Disaster Management Authority said Rat-hole miners were used in the rescue operation to save the 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel.
Rat Hole Mining – Key Points
What is rat-hole mining?
- A method of extracting coal from narrow, horizontal seams, typically around 3-4 feet depth (prevalent in Meghalaya).
- Rat hole – Refers to the narrow pits dug into the ground, typically just large enough for 1 person to descend and extract coal.
Why prevalent in Meghalaya?
- They are prevalent in Meghalaya due to challenging terrain and the coal seam here are very thin (less than 2 m) in most cases.
What are the types of rat hole mining?
- Side cutting – Narrow tunnels are excavated into the hill slopes and workers enter these openings to locate the coal seam.
- Box cutting – Rectangular openings are created, ranging in size from 10 to 100 square metres.
What are the issues?
- Lack safety measures such as proper ventilation, structural support, or safety gear for the workers.
- Causes land degradation, deforestation, and water pollution.
When was it banned, and why?
- In 2014, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) stopped rat-hole mining because it was unsafe and not scientifically sound.
- In 2019, the Supreme Court overturned this ban and said that coal mining could continue in Meghalaya if it was done scientifically.
Silkyara-Barkot Tunnel:
- Location – Brahmakhal-Yamunotri portion
- Constructed between Silkyara and Dandalgaon.
- Connects Yamunotri on the south end to Dharasu on the north end.
- Part of the Chardham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojana all-weather road project connecting 4 sacred sites in Uttarakhand.
- 4 sacred sites – Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Must Read: NDMA
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements:
1. Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country.
2. State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
3. State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
