Relevance:

• GS 3 || Science & Technology || Energy || Coal & Petrochemical

Why in the news?

Extraction of Coal and Increasing Pollution

Way forward:

• Transparency: Obtaining statistics or information on many elements of the coal industry is currently difficult. Citizens will find it difficult to hold the industry accountable as a result of this. As a result, comprehensive openness in the form of frequent publishing of data on all elements of the industry is required. This would assist in the improvement of accountability.
• Better policies: It is critical to increase public engagement and input into decision-making processes. All policies must be published in draught form and only be finalised after citizens have been allowed to comment and the feedback has been taken into account.
• Involvement of local residents: Coal mining activities must engage local residents. Before the mine begins, substantial public hearings on the project’s environmental and socioeconomic implications, as well as compensation methods, should be held. Local citizens can assist in overseeing the mine’s operations and ensuring compliance with existing regulations.
• Rehabilitation: In the rehabilitation process, innovative alternatives such as long-term land leases and stock offerings should be attempted. The displaced folks must be adequately compensated.
• Institutional Strengthening: The relevant institutions’ capacity must be increased. Plans must be created to expand the coal industry’s capacity. This would aid in strengthening the sector’s planning, operations, and monitoring.