ABSTRACT
The particular geological condition determines the method of mining in certain region. Indiscriminate mining has always been a great contributor in the degradation of natural resources and the destruction of habitat thus poses a great threat to the biodiversity. Untreated waste material of huge quantities is being released by several mining agencies in the mining regions. If proper care is not taken for waste disposal, it will degrade the surrounding environment irreparably. Mining industries in India has always a tendency to undermine the role of EIA in its pre-operational, during mining and post operational plans.
The basic law governing the mines is The Mines Act, 1952. However, most of the EIA related provisions of the Act do not provide for precautionary measures, but post-EIA monitoring i.e., remedial measures. Though a comprehensive EIA is not mandatory in the Act, it makes elaborate provisions for disaster mitigation. Section 57 of The Mines Act, 1952, provides that the EIA principles can be institutionalised under the regulatory and rule making power of the Central Government. The 1987 Amendment to the Act now contains a specific chapter on mines and environment. This paper throws light on the burning issues of mining, their impact on the environment and the laws governing the mining activities in India. The importance of conducting suitable assessment studies beforehand, to learn the potential adverse impact of mining on the ecology and the environment has also been emphasised.
