Prolonged exposure to coal mining causes respiratory, skin diseases in workers: study

• A survey published by the National Foundation for India stated prolonged exposure to coal mining pollutants has resulted in widespread respiratory and skin diseases.

Highlights:

• At least 65% of participants interviewed reported issues such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, and skin ailments such as eczema, dermatitis and fungal infections.
• People living closer to the mines were relatively more vulnerable.
• Dhanbad and Ramgarh, which had more people living in such zones, had higher incidence of lung and breathing-related diseases as well as skin infections.
• The world’s shift away from coal is expected to result in significant job losses and economic downturns in coal-dependent regions.
• This will not only impact the coal miners and workers directly but also the broader local economy.
• The broader thrust of the study was to investigate ‘just transition’ or how those who are directly dependent on coal mining may be effectively and sensitively transitioned away from these jobs.

India & Renewable Energy

• While India has committed to source nearly 500 GW of electricity or nearly half its projected installed capacity for 2030 from renewable energy sources, coal is expected to be the mainstay of power generation in India for decades.
• Nearly half of India’s installed power generation capacity, or about 205 GW, are coal-powered thermal plants.
• Change however is in the air as for the first time this year, renewable energy accounted for 71.5% of the record 13.6 (GW) power generation capacity added by India in the first quarter (January-March) of this year
• While coal’s share (including lignite) of the total power capacity dropped below 50% for the first time since the 1960s.

Prelims Takeaway

• Effects of coal mining