Understanding the NGT Ban on Coal Mining and Livelihood Shift

The question describes a region where the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a ban on unscientific coal mining and transportation. Following this ban, many people who depended on coal mining for their income started cultivating turmeric as an alternative livelihood source. We need to identify this specific region from the given options.

Analyzing the Context: NGT Ban and Mining Practices

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is an environmental body in India. It plays a crucial role in enforcing environmental laws and regulations. In recent years, the NGT has taken action against various forms of illegal and unscientific mining practices that cause significant environmental damage, such as pollution of water bodies and land degradation.

One such practice that faced a significant ban from the NGT is often referred to as 'rat-hole mining'. This is a primitive and dangerous method of extracting coal, typically involving digging narrow, horizontal tunnels in hillsides. This method was prevalent in certain parts of India, particularly in areas rich in coal but lacking formal, regulated mining operations.

Identifying the Region

Let's examine the options provided:

1. Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya
2. Koriya, Chhattisgarh
3. Angul, Odisha
4. Bardhaman, West Bengal

Meghalaya, specifically the Jaintia Hills (now administratively split into West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills districts), is well-known for its history of extensive, largely unregulated coal mining, including the 'rat-hole' method. The NGT imposed a ban on this type of mining and transportation of coal in Meghalaya in April 2014, citing environmental concerns and the illegality of the operations.

Following the NGT ban, thousands of miners and labourers in Meghalaya lost their source of income. Various efforts have been made to provide alternative livelihoods to the affected population. Agriculture, including the cultivation of cash crops like turmeric, has been promoted as a viable option in these areas.

While coal mining occurs in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal, the context of the NGT ban specifically targeting unscientific methods like 'rat-hole mining' and the subsequent widely reported shift towards alternative farming livelihoods (like turmeric) is most strongly associated with Meghalaya's Jaintia Hills region.

Based on the historical context of the NGT ban on unscientific coal mining, particularly 'rat-hole mining', and the reported initiatives for alternative livelihoods like turmeric cultivation, the region described in the question is the Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya.

Therefore, the correct option is Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya.

Revision Table: Key Facts

Additional Information: National Green Tribunal and Mining

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act. Its primary purpose is to handle cases related to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. The NGT has the authority to hear all civil cases where a substantial question relating to the environment (including enforcement of any legal right relating to the environment) is involved and is arising out of the Acts specified in Schedule I of the NGT Act.

The NGT's ban on coal mining in Meghalaya is a significant example of its intervention to protect the environment. Unscientific mining practices can lead to severe pollution of rivers and streams through acid mine drainage, destruction of forest cover, and instability of land. The NGT's ruling aimed to halt these harmful activities and promote sustainable practices.

Finding sustainable alternative livelihoods for communities dependent on environmentally damaging activities like unscientific mining is a crucial aspect of environmental regulation and enforcement. Initiatives promoting agriculture, like turmeric farming, or other small-scale industries aim to provide economic stability while allowing for environmental recovery.