Rat-hole mining is an unscientific coal extraction method involving narrow, manually dug tunnels to access coal seams. Despite Nagaland’s substantial coal reserves, the practice continues in several areas, raising concerns over environmental degradation and worker safety.
The exposure of iron and sulphur-bearing rocks to air and water during mining leads to acid mine drainage, contaminating nearby rivers. A notable example is Meghalaya’s Lukha River, which has turned turquoise and highly acidic, causing severe damage to aquatic ecosystems.
APSC Relevance: Environment; Geography.
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