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Coal in India

Pollution, Mining and Communities

Coal mining and burning cause air pollution, land loss and displacement, and communities near mines face health and livelihood challenges.

The costs beyond the price.

Air quality

Power plants and mines contribute to particulate and sulphur pollution.

Land

Open-cast mining displaces villages and farmland.

Rehabilitation

Compensation and resettlement are contentious.

Mine closure

Old mines need land restoration, which is often neglected.

A displaced village

Families near a new mine are moved and struggle to rebuild livelihoods.

Counting only the cost of coal at the pithead

Social and environmental costs are omitted.

Key takeaways
  • Coal causes air pollution.
  • Mining displaces communities.
  • Rehabilitation is difficult.
  • Closure needs planning.
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