IMPACT OF COALMINING ON WATER QUALITY IN COALMINE AREA OF SANTAL PARGANA (JHARKAHAND)

       smriti Singh

                   University Dept. of zoology

             s.k.m.University

       dumka-814110

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Introduction

•Water is a renewable source, plays an important role in water management.

•The influence of coalmine activities on surface and groundwater quality in coalfield area is one of major concern which appeared hazardous and deleterious to the human health.

•The investigation was confined on Chitra and Lalmatia coalmine of Santal Pargana in Jharkhand, Where excavation of coal is in progress with huge topographical damage.

•Suspended particulates and dust fall rates along with land degradation affected the water resources and bound to upset the aquatic ecosystem of that area. 

OBJECTIVES 

•To visualize the impact of coalmining on near by water sources in Tribal belt of Santal Pargana.

•To recommend certain effective solutions for  water monitoring and management in this area.

INVESTIGATION AREA 

•The investigation was confined on Chitra and Lalmatia coalmine of Santal Pargana in Jharkhand.

Location of Santal Pargana on Jharkhand map   

Location of Chitra colliery mines  

Location of Lalmatia  

Impact of Coal mining On Water Quality of Investigated Areas  

•The process of mining is usually associated with generation of large amount of dust and,    the mineral and overburden excavated are converted to loose material. Winds pick up these  dust particles along with loose material and deposit them on water bodies. Loose material is also carried by the streams running through the mines which eventually meet the main course or end into a water reservoir causing pollution in both cases.

•Oils and fuels are used for the machinery and equipment used in the mining operations. These oils and fuel sometimes leak away or washed off during cleaning and maintenance. The water used for washing or during rains, these oils and fuels contaminate the nearby water bodies.

•Overburden dump is the waste material which has to be removed before the mineral resources can be salvaged.  The waste materials can contain pollutants in the form of heavy metals of other chemicals which leach out during the rains and pollute the surrounding areas.

•A mine employs hundreds of people, who’s domestic and sanitary water needs have to be taken care of. The sewage from the domestic and sanitary use of water can cause pollution if they discharges untreated.

Coal mining Machinery Polluting Water Body

Polluted Water Body Nearby Coal mining Area

                  

Contaminated Water Body Due To Discharged Effluent By Coal mining Machinery 

Impact On Human Health 

•The consumption of such waters and inhalation of coal dust can lead to severe health problems such as Chronic bronchitis, Asthma, Eye irritation, Gastroenteritis, Skin disease and even death in some cases.

• Different contaminants affect different portions of the body individually and collectively.

•Consumption of water containing lead beyond permissible limits causes neurological disorders with most cases ending up in deaths.

•Similarly there are trace heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, etc. which can severe damages to the nervous system.

•The major health problems associated with water contamination are gastro-intestinal irritation, dental, skeletal fluorosis and occupational disease like pneumoconiosis.

Recommendation 

•Proper care and maintenance of open dug well , regular purification and cleaning of pond, provision of safe drinking water to the mine workers.

•Installation of handpump at suitable places, suppression of dust through water sprinklers.

•Development of green belts, refilling of abandoned quarries and plantation.

•It is essential to implement legislation to protect surface water and groundwater in coalmine area.