Impact of Open Cast Coal Mining on Soil Environment with Particular reference to Bio Diversity of Soil Insects of Coal field area in Jharia Dhanbad

Abstract

Jharia Coalfield (JCF) in Jharkhand is known for its large quantities of high grade coking coal. Jharia is the richest coal bearing area in India. As most of the coal production in India comes from open cast mines hence, open cast mining is causing more damages to our surroundings. Open cast mining activities are responsible for the displacements of large amount of overburden dump materials and excavation of upper layer of the soil. Open cast mining promotes blasting, drilling and using explosives in large quantity which cause destruction to surface layer vegetation very badly. Such activities are responsible to damage the natural nutrient quality and microbial activities of the soil system. Open cast mining is not only damaging the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil but also affecting the bio-diversity of soil insects. As the nutrient quality and microbial activities of the soil system in mining areas get disturbed hence, the living conditions of many insects get changed adversely. The present study represents the impact of open cast coal mining on physical, chemical and Biological parameters by doing comparative study for all such parameters for both mining (Lodna and Bastacola) and non-mining (Baliapur and Sindri) areas. To study the impact of open cast coal mining on soil environment with particular reference to bio-diversity of soil insects texture analysis, bulk density, water holding capacity, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus were investigated . It has been observed that soil quality of mining areas have comparatively low pH, low moisture content and high electrical conductivity. The present study also reveals that the stressful environmental condition in mining areas have not only affected the abundance, density, frequency but the growth of many identified soil insects. The obtained results are very useful to understand the ultimate mining impact on identified soil insects and for planning the rehabilitation programmes for Jharia Coalfield