The rat hole mine in Ruchayan village under Wokha district, the site of major mining incident on January 25, 2024. The S&WC Dept has expressed concern over uncontrolled expansion of rat-hole and open-cast coal mining in Nagaland. (Morung File Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 2
The uncontrolled expansion of rat-hole and open-cast coal mining in Nagaland, particularly in Wokha, Mon, Mokokchung, Longleng, and Tuensang districts, has led to severe environmental degradation, the Annual Administrative Report 2024-2025 of the Department of Soil & Water Conservation has stated.
Tabled during the 6th session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, the report highlighted the concerning impact of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) from abandoned mines, which has severely contaminated water sources and devastated ecosystems.
The report noted that acidification of surface water and leaching of heavy metals into underground water pose serious risks to aquatic life and human consumption.
If left unchecked, AMD could further compromise pristine water sources, drastically limiting their usability, it said.
Acknowledging the urgency of the issue, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has approved a pilot intervention under the Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP) initiative of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in Nagaland, the report said.
The Department of Soil & Water Conservation has taken up mitigation efforts to address the damage caused by AMD, it added.
As per the report, for the financial year 2024-25, Rs 7.50 crore was received in two instalments for implementation.
The key work components under the initiative include land levelling, contour trenching, gabion retaining walls, lime application to neutralise acidity, and afforestation to restore ecological balance, it added.
Accordingly, while the report noted that Nagaland possesses rich mineral deposits and abundant natural resources, it underscores the urgent need for remedial measures to prevent further environmental degradation and safeguard water resources in the affected districts.
The state has moderate coal deposits and if utilised scientifically, it could contribute to economic growth, it said.
If left unaddressed, the report warned that the contamination could further deteriorate the quality of water resources.
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