Effect of Kathautia Open Cast Coal Mining on the Livelihood and Health Conditions of People Living in Palamu District of Jharkhand

Nirmal Singh, International Institute For Population Sciences

Open cast coal mining has caused significant socio-economic and environmental disruptions to the livelihood and health of the Chero tribe in Palamu, Jharkhand. This study examines how mining activities have affected key livelihood aspects, including agricultural productivity, livestock health, and household income, as well as health outcomes, particularly respiratory diseases. Through a cross-sectional survey of 360 households, the effects of proximity to mining sites, water contamination, and land loss were analyzed using regression and logit models. The findings reveal that closer proximity to coal mining significantly decreases agricultural productivity and household income, while increasing the incidence of respiratory illnesses due to poor air quality and unsafe drinking water. Water contamination and land loss further exacerbate the negative effects on livelihoods. However, higher levels of education and improved access to healthcare help mitigate some of these impacts. The study underscores the urgent need for policy interventions, including the development of alternative livelihood programs, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and enforcing stricter environmental regulations to mitigate the harmful consequences of mining activities on the Chero tribe’s socio-economic conditions and health. These recommendations aim to safeguard the long-term well-being of the community.

Keywords: Mixed methods research, The Demography of Indigenous Populations, Population and Development, Population, Environment, and Climate Change

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