Effects of coal mine closure on residents of Bijuri and Kotma municipalities of Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh

Research fellow - Shuchita Jha

Place- Bijuri, Anuppur.

Local women returning home after collecting coal from an abandoned mine in Kotma, Anuppur. Photo by Shuchita Jha.

Abstract

The investigation aims to highlight the negative effects of coal mine closure in Bijuri and Kotma municipalities of Anuppur district in Madhya Pradesh in absence of other alternative means of livelihood.

As the world continues to transition towards a more sustainable future, it is imperative that we not only address the urgent need to mitigate the effects of climate change, but also ensure that this transition is just and equitable for all. The concept of a "just transition" emphasizes the need to prioritize the livelihoods and well-being of workers and communities that are currently dependent on industries that may become obsolete in the shift towards a low-carbon economy. By creating alternate sources of livelihood and ensuring that no one is left behind, we can ensure a smooth and successful transition towards a more sustainable future.

In the last decade around 10 mines in these two municipalities that provided employment to hundreds of locals have closed down, rendering them unemployed.

One mine employ around 500 to 1000 people in these areas, depending upon the size of the mine. In the last 10 years 10 mines have shut down in the area, rendering around 5,000 to 10,000 people directly dependent on mines, unemployed and without alternate source of livelihood. Locals who are indirectly dependent on the mines, like guards, office-boys, tea-sellers and venders who run their businesses close to these mines can range from 500 to 1,000. These people also lose their income when the mine-workers stop coming to the mines. An estimated additional 5,000 people hence become unemployed while other 5,000-10,000 who were indirectly dependent on mines had also lost their means of livelihood.

This in turn takes a toll on the whole family when earning members lose their source of income. From running the household to children’s education, everything suffers as income gets limited due to lack of opportunities in the area.

In the on-ground study, it was found that most girls under 18 have stopped studying after class 5 or 8 as their parents cannot afford to send them to schools due to lack of money. Since Kol and Gond tribes have a culture of early marriages, many of the young girls who quit school also did so because they got married or their parents have started looking for grooms. Women as young as 30 have become grandmothers with their teenage children becoming parents.