Reclamation and Community Dynamics: Assessing Socio Environmental Impacts of Mining in Manikpur, Chhattisgarh

BACKGROUND:

Mining has historically been a crucial driver of economic development, particularly in resource-abundant regions such as the Korba District in Chhattisgarh, India. This paper focuses on coal mining within this area due to its significant role in shaping the local economy, as well as its profound ecological and socio-economic impacts. The authors emphasize the importance of understanding community perceptions and effective reclamation strategies.

GOALS AND METHODS:

The authors' goals are to assess the impact of mining on local communities in the Korba district, evaluate the effectiveness of current reclamation practices, and understand stakeholder perspectives. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys, to gather comprehensive data from various stakeholders in the vicinity of the Manikpur Coal Mine. Using Structural Equation Modeling, the paper examines the relationships among key variables such as community involvement, satisfaction, and perceived impacts, aiming to inform sustainable mining practices and enhance reclamation strategies.

CONCLUSIONS AND TAKEAWAYS:

The study concludes that effective mine reclamation strategies, which prioritize community needs, foster positive perceptions and high satisfaction levels among residents. Notably, community involvement significantly influences these perceptions, with higher levels of engagement leading to more favorable views on reclamation outcomes and economic opportunities.