Well, it’s limestone mining to blame – poor mine management
& poor rehabilitation planning of exhausted land is leading to high environmental degradation. In mining, CSE gave the sector a low 24% score. Most large scale mining is being done in ecologically sensitive areas like forest reserves & coastal areas and so on.
Limestone mining affects land-use pattern and causes noteworthy water level depletion (where mining has gone much below the water table). Adding to this, the use of old-fashioned blasting technology also causes air, noise and sound pollution. On top of all, the mined places are not properly covered or refilled, leaving a huge void. Chandra Bhushan of CSE further explains, “The way mining is being carried out at the moment, 20 years down the lane we will have huge pits (publicly hazardous) some 8 kms long.” While the responsibility hinges on the players too, there needs to be government initiatives for compliance as well on mining issues. Only then can the environment win. And Holcim & Birla can continue with their battle for the crown without periodic reporting to CSE!
& poor rehabilitation planning of exhausted land is leading to high environmental degradation. In mining, CSE gave the sector a low 24% score. Most large scale mining is being done in ecologically sensitive areas like forest reserves & coastal areas and so on.Limestone mining affects land-use pattern and causes noteworthy water level depletion (where mining has gone much below the water table). Adding to this, the use of old-fashioned blasting technology also causes air, noise and sound pollution. On top of all, the mined places are not properly covered or refilled, leaving a huge void. Chandra Bhushan of CSE further explains, “The way mining is being carried out at the moment, 20 years down the lane we will have huge pits (publicly hazardous) some 8 kms long.” While the responsibility hinges on the players too, there needs to be government initiatives for compliance as well on mining issues. Only then can the environment win. And Holcim & Birla can continue with their battle for the crown without periodic reporting to CSE!
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Source: IIPM Editorial, 2007
