In which of the following states in India the 'rat hole mining' is still practised?

Correct option is B

Ans. (b) Meghalaya

Sol. Rat-hole mining is a traditional method of coal mining still practiced in Meghalaya. In this method, miners dig narrow, horizontal tunnels (like rat holes) to extract coal. The practice is common in the Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, and West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. Due to unscientific and unsafe conditions, it was banned by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2014, but illegal mining continues in some areas.

Information Booster:

• Rat-hole mining involves digging narrow tunnels, typically 3-4 feet high, to extract coal.
• This method is mainly used in Meghalaya due to the thin coal seams and hilly terrain.
• It is a labor-intensive process, often involving local workers, including children.
• The coal extracted is of high quality but leads to severe environmental issues like land degradation and water pollution.
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in 2014 due to safety hazards and environmental damage.
• Despite the ban, illegal mining continues in remote areas.
• Efforts are being made to promote scientific and sustainable mining methods.

Additional Information:

• (a) Gujarat – Known for limestone, bauxite, and lignite mining, but does not use rat-hole mining.
• (c) Maharashtra – Rich in coal and manganese deposits, with large-scale mining operations.
• (d) Jharkhand – One of India’s largest coal-producing states, with open-cast and underground mining, but rat-hole mining is not widely practiced.