← All questionsGS1 · 2017 · Geography ·Coal Mining: Harm vs Necessity
QUESTION 6
GS1
10 marks

“In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development.” Discuss.

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7 min
150 words
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What the examiner wants

Discuss why India still needs coal mining despite its environmental damage, and how to reduce the harm.

DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Why inevitable: largest domestic energy source, base-load power, steel and cement, energy security, revenue and jobs in coal states≈30 words
  2. 2Environmental cost: deforestation (Hasdeo Arand), mine fires (Jharia), land degradation, water pollution, fly ash, air pollution, displacement of tribals≈30 words
  3. 3Mitigation: clean coal tech, coal washing, reclamation, coal gasification mission, District Mineral Foundation, just transition≈30 words
  4. 4Balance with climate commitments: phase-down with renewables≈30 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

Dependence on coalEnvironmental impactMitigationTransition pathConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • One-sided answer against coal
  • Ignoring social costs on tribal and coal-belt communities

Draw this

  • Pie chart of India's power generation by source

Value addition

  • DataCoal provides roughly 70% of India's electricity generation.Central Electricity Authority
  • PolicyAt COP26 Glasgow (2021) India pushed 'phase down' rather than 'phase out' of unabated coal.Glasgow Climate Pact, 2021
  • CaseJharia coalfield fires have burnt since about 1916, causing subsidence and displacement.Jharia Master Plan

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