Content:

1. Safety Audit of Coal Mines
2. DECLINING GROUNDWATER LEVELS

Safety Audit of Coal Mines

The Ministry of Coal has undertaken significant measures to enhance coal mine safety, modernization, and worker welfare through regulatory updates and technological advancements. The introduction of the National Coal Mine Safety Report Portal (2024) and Coal Mines Regulations 2017 reflects a strong commitment to safety, environmental sustainability, and mechanization in coal mining operations.

Relevance : GS 3(Economy , Infrastructure)

Safety Health Management System Audit & Safety Report Portal

• As per the Ministry of Coal Guidelines (December 2023), an annual Safety Health Management System Audit is conducted.
• On 17th December 2024, the Ministry launched the National Coal Mine Safety Report Portal with an integrated safety audit module for streamlined submission of audit reports.

Amendments to Coal Mine Safety Regulations

• Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) replaced the outdated Coal Mines Regulation 1957 with Coal Mines Regulations 2017.
• The revision was aimed at:
  • Modernization & Mechanization of mining processes.
  • Strengthening emergency response and evacuation systems.

Modernization & Mechanization for Worker Safety

• Blast-free mining technologies introduced to minimize risks:
  • Continuous Miner & PSLW (Powered Support Longwall) for underground (UG) mines.
  • Surface Miner & Hybrid High Wall Mining for open-cast (OC) mines.
  • Eccentric/Vertical Ripper for better efficiency in OC mines.

• Real-time environmental monitoring:
  • Environmental Telemonitoring System (ETMS) for underground conditions.
  • Gas Chromatographs for accurate mine air sampling and hazard detection.

• Strata Stability Measures:
  • Mechanized roof bolting systems (UDM, QUAD, Twin Bolter) with advanced instrumentation.

• Dust suppression technologies:
  • Truck-mounted Fog Canons and Sprinkler-mist sprays to reduce dust inhalation risks.

• Training & Skill Development:
  • Simulator-based training for Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) operators.
  • Virtual Reality (VR) training programs for better risk preparedness.

• Geotechnical advancements for safety monitoring:
  • 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) for mine mapping.
  • Slope Stability Radars for monitoring overburden stability.
  • GPS-based Operator Independent Truck Dispatch System (OITDS) for tracking heavy machinery.

Environmental Management in Coal Mining

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies are mandatory for new/expansion projects.
• Key measures under EIA/Environmental Management Plan (EMP):
  • Assessment of mining impact on biodiversity, air, and water quality.
  • Compliance with MoEF&CC clearance norms before project approval.
  • Continuous environmental monitoring during operational phases.

Worker Welfare Initiatives

• Legal Framework:
  • Mines Act, 1952 and Mines Rules, 1955 mandate essential welfare facilities.
  • Mine Vocational Training Rules, 1966 ensure proper training for workers.

• Worker Welfare Provisions:
  • Regular health check-ups, first aid, and welfare officers in mines.
  • Shelters, canteens, creches, and pit-head baths to improve worker living conditions.
  • Financial & educational support:
    • Scholarships and financial assistance for children, including support for IIT & NIT admissions.
    • Compassionate employment to married, divorced, and deserted daughters in case of worker deaths.

• Skill Development & Safety Training:
  • Structured vocational training for skill upgradation.
  • Advanced simulator-based training for specialized mining operations.
  • Specialized job-based training for drilling, blasting, roof support, and firefighting.

Conclusion

• The Ministry of Coal has taken proactive steps to modernize, mechanize, and improve safety standards in coal mining.
• The initiatives ensure safer working conditions, reduced environmental impact, and improved worker welfare.
• Advanced technology adoption, enhanced monitoring systems, and rigorous safety audits contribute to a more sustainable and safe coal mining sector.

Declining Groundwater Levels

Context:

• Water being a State subject under the Seventh Schedule (Entry 17, State List) of the Constitution of India places the primary responsibility of groundwater management on State Governments.
• However, groundwater depletion is a national concern, necessitating Central Government intervention through policies, schemes, and technical assistance.
• The Ministry of Jal Shakti and other central ministries have been implementing various initiatives to ensure sustainable groundwater management, prevent over-extraction, and promote community participation in water conservation.

Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)

Constitutional and Institutional Framework

• Water is a State subject under the Indian Constitution, giving State Governments primary responsibility for groundwater management.
• The Central Government provides technical and financial assistance through schemes and projects.
• Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, regulates groundwater development under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Regulatory Mechanisms:
  • CGWA issues NOCs for groundwater abstraction, ensuring compliance with sustainability norms.
  • 17 States/UTs have implemented their own groundwater regulation frameworks.
  • Model Groundwater Bill drafted and circulated to all States/UTs, with 21 States/UTs adopting it.
  • Environmental Compensation (EC) charges are levied for violations.

Key Central Initiatives for Groundwater Conservation

• Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA)
  • Launched in 2019, aims at rainwater harvesting and water conservation.
  • JSA 2024 focuses on 151 water-stressed districts.
  • Over 1.07 crore water conservation structures built in four years.

• National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM) Project
  • Conducted by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).
  • Mapped 25 lakh square km of aquifers.
  • District-wise aquifer maps and management plans prepared for localized interventions.

• Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater (2020)
  • Provides blueprint for constructing 1.42 crore recharge structures.
  • Estimated to harness 185 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) of water.

• Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) Scheme
  • Launched in 2015-16, focuses on micro-irrigation and efficient water use.
  • 94.36 lakh hectares covered under micro-irrigation (till Dec 2024).

• Mission Amrit Sarovar
  • Targets development of 75 water bodies per district.
  • Nearly 69,000 Amrit Sarovars constructed/rejuvenated.

• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) & Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY-WDC)
  • Provide funds for water conservation and rainwater harvesting.

Strengthening Community Participation in Groundwater Management

• Atal Bhujal Yojana
  • Implemented in 7 States, emphasizes community-led groundwater management.
  • Gram Panchayat-level water budgeting and Water Security Plans (WSPs) developed.

• Public Awareness and Training Programs
  • Public Interaction Programs (PIP), Mass Awareness Programs (MAP) conducted by CGWB.
  • Jal Shakti Kendras (JSKs) established for community engagement.

• Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative (Launched in 2024)
  • Promotes whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach to water conservation.

• Community Involvement in Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
  • 24 lakh women trained for water quality testing using Field Test Kits (FTKs).

Impact of Groundwater Conservation Efforts

• Increased groundwater recharge
  • Total annual groundwater recharge improved from 433 BCM (2017) to 446.90 BCM (2024).
• Enhanced efficiency in water use through micro-irrigation and artificial recharge structures.
• Improved water conservation infrastructure with large-scale rainwater harvesting.

Challenges and Way Forward

• Regulatory Gaps
  • Despite progress, many states have not yet adopted the Model Groundwater Bill.
  • Need for better enforcement of groundwater extraction regulations.

• Climate Change and Depleting Resources
  • Climate variability impacts groundwater recharge.
  • Promotion of nature-based solutions like wetland conservation, afforestation.

• Strengthening Local Governance
  • Need for institutional capacity building at Panchayat levels.
  • Decentralized water governance for better management.

• Technology Integration
  • Expanding use of remote sensing and AI-based water resource monitoring.
  • Encouraging sensor-based irrigation systems to optimize water use